Enhanced vision systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An enhanced vision system includes a first optic subsystem and a transparent photodetector subsystem disposed within a common housing. The first optic subsystem may include passive devices such as simple or compound lenses, active devices such as low-light enhancing image intensifiers, or a combination of passive and active devices. The transparent photodetector subsystem receives the visible image exiting the first optic subsystem and converts a portion of the electromagnetic energy in the visible image to a signal communicated to image analysis circuitry. On a real-time or near real-time basis, the image analysis circuitry detects and identifies structures, objects, and/or individuals in the visible image. The image analysis circuitry provides an output that includes information regarding the structure, objects, and individuals to the system user contemporaneous with the system user viewing the visible image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 17/390,128, filed Jul. 30, 2021, which is a continuation ofU.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/319,446, filed Jan. 21,2019, which is a national stage entry of International Application No.PCT/US2017/031151, filed May 4, 2017, which claims benefit and priorityto U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/365,028, filed Jul. 21,2016, the disclosures of these prior applications are considered part ofthis application and are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providingenhanced vision that includes composite imagery.

BACKGROUND

The ability for a human to react to the environment is bounded by theperceptual limitations of the human anatomy. If a structure, object, orindividual cannot be sensed by at least one of the five human senses(taste, touch, sight, sound, smell), the ability for a human to detectthe structure, object, or individual is severely limited or eliminatedentirely. Thus, systems that enable the “ordinary” human senses totranscend their limitations may dramatically improve the ability for aperson to identify structures, objects, and individuals within theirenvironment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter will become apparent as the following Detailed Descriptionproceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numeralsdesignate like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative enhanced vision system that includes afirst optic subsystem disposed along a first optical axis and atransparent photodetector subsystem and eyepiece optics are disposedalong a second optical axis that is different than the first opticalaxis, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 1B depicts an illustrative enhanced vision system in which thefirst optic subsystem and the transparent photodetector subsystem andeyepiece optics are aligned along a common optical axis, in accordancewith at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2A depicts an illustrative enhanced vision system in which a firstoptic subsystem is aligned with a first optical axis and a transparentphotodetector subsystem, transparent display subsystem, and eyepieceoptics are coaxially disposed along a second optical axis that isdifferent from the first optical axis, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 2B depicts another illustrative enhanced vision system in which thefirst optic subsystem, a transparent photodetector subsystem, atransparent display subsystem, and eyepiece optics are coaxially alignedalong a common optical axis, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative enhanced vision system in which anenhanced vision system such as those depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and2B is communicably coupled via a network to line-of-sight imagingcircuitry mounted on an external device, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision systemthat includes an enhanced vision system communicably coupled to anexternal device, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem, a spectral redirector, atransparent photodetector subsystem that includes a photosensitiveelement array disposed on a first side of a transparent conductor, andeyepiece optics, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem, a transparentphotodetector subsystem that includes a photosensitive element arraydisposed on a first side of a transparent conductor, and eyepiece opticsdisposed along a common optical axis, in accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present disclosure described herein;

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem, a transparentphotodetector subsystem that includes a first photosensitive elementarray disposed on a first side of a transparent conductor and a secondphotosensitive element array that may be disposed on a second side ofthe transparent conductor, and eyepiece optics disposed along a commonoptical axis, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein;

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem in the form of an imageintensifier disposed along a first optical axis, and a spectralredirector, a transparent photodetector subsystem, a transparent displaysubsystem, and eyepiece optics disposed along a second optical axis, inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosuredescribed herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem in the form of an imageintensifier, a transparent photodetector subsystem, a transparentdisplay subsystem, and eyepiece optics disposed along a common opticalaxis, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein;

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic view of an illustrative enhanced visionsystem that includes a first optical subsystem in the form of an imageintensifier, a transparent photodetector subsystem, a transparentdisplay subsystem, and eyepiece optics disposed along a common opticalaxis, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein;

FIG. 11 depicts an example spectral content at various locations withinan illustrative enhanced vision system, in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein;

FIG. 12 depicts a plot showing normalized frequency output spectralstrength of an example first optical subsystem equipped with an imageintensifier, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 13 depicts a plot showing normalized frequency output spectralstrength of another example first optical subsystem equipped with animage intensifier, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein;

FIG. 14 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein;

FIG. 15 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein; and

FIG. 16 depicts a high level flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure described herein.

Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with referencebeing made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modificationsand variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein provide enhanced vision systemsand methods in which a transparent photodetector may be used to collectdata or information regarding the imagery gathered by the enhancedvision system using a portion of the spectral content gathered and/orgenerated by the system. The use of the transparent photodetectorbeneficially permits the remaining portion of the spectral contentgathered and/or generated by the system to pass through the system.Since the spectral content of the imagery falls within the visiblespectrum, the portion passing through the system may advantageously beprovided to the system user in either an unmodified state or a modifiedstate as described below.

The portion of the spectral content gathered by the transparentphotodetector may be provided to one or more image analysis circuits forsubsequent processing. Such processing may be performed based at leastin part on the intended use of the system. For example, a systemintended to assist a user in recognizing other individuals may use theimage data provided by the transparent photodetector to perform one ormore facial recognition techniques. In another example, a systemintended to assist tourists or visitors in an unfamiliar region may usethe image data provided by the transparent photodetector to perform oneor more landmark (e.g., building) recognition techniques. In yet anotherexample, a system intended to assist a soldier in identifying potentialthreats within an environment may use the image data provided by thetransparent photodetector subsystem to perform object recognition andassist with identifying threats within the environment.

The transparent photodetector may collect image data in one or moreportions of the electromagnetic spectrum normally invisible to theunaided human eye. For example, the enhanced vision system may collectimage data in the near-infrared (NIR—wavelengths of 750 nm to 900 nm)spectrum, the short wave infrared (SWIR—wavelengths of 900 nm to 1700nm) spectrum, or the ultraviolet spectrum (UV—wavelengths of 200 nm to400 nm). In yet another example, a system equipped with a NIR or SWIRabsorbing photodetector subsystem may be used to assist law enforcementduring evening hours, or in other times of similar limited visibility,by using the SWIR or NIR imagery to identify threats not easilydiscerned in the visible spectrum.

The first optic subsystem and the transparent photodetector subsystemmay be combined with a transparent display subsystem to advantageouslyprovide a compact, image enhancement solution capable of displaying datato the system user contemporaneous with the system user viewing of theimage provided by the first optic subsystem and passing through thetransparent photodetector subsystem and the transparent displaysubsystem. In such implementations, the use of the transparent displaysubsystem permits the enhanced vision system to overlay or display thedata directly in the image seen by the system user. The enhanced visionsystem is advantageously able to generate such composite imagery in realtime, with minimal or no latency.

At times, the first optic subsystem may include one or more low ambientlight vision devices, such as one or more image intensifiers. In suchimplementations, the spectral output of the first optic subsystem may bedifferent than the spectral content of the electromagnetic energyentering the first optic subsystem. For example, an image intensifiermay output an image using a phosphor coated surface that renders theimage in green, green/yellow, or white. Beneficially, such spectralcontent includes one or more frequencies or frequency bands useful tothe transparent photodetector subsystem while still providing a highresolution visible image able to pass through the transparentphotodetector subsystem and the transparent display subsystem to thesystem user.

An enhanced vision system is provided. The system may include: a meansfor receiving incident electromagnetic energy that includes at least avisible image of a first scene in a field-of-view of the first opticsubsystem; a means for outputting electromagnetic energy in at least avisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output including at least a portion of the firstscene; a means for receiving at least the visible electromagnetic outputfrom the first optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of thefirst scene; a means for generating a first signal that includesinformation indicative of at least a portion of the first scene; and ameans for transmitting at least the visible electromagnetic output fromthe first optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of the firstscene.

An enhanced vision method is provided. The method may include receiving,by a first optic subsystem, incident electromagnetic energy thatincludes at least an image in the visible electromagnetic spectrum of afirst scene in a field-of-view of the first optic subsystem; outputting,by the first optic subsystem, electromagnetic energy in at least avisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output including at least a portion of the firstscene; receiving, by a first photosensitive element array disposed in atransparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic energy from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene; generating, by the firstphotosensitive element array, a first signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of the first scene; and transmitting,by the transparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic energy from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene.

An enhanced vision system is provided. The enhanced vision system mayinclude: a first optic subsystem that transmits a first scene within afield-of-view of the first optic subsystem in at least a visible portionof the electromagnetic spectrum; and a transparent photodetectorsubsystem that includes a first photosensitive element array disposedacross at least a portion of a first surface of a transparent substrate,wherein the transparent photodetector subsystem is positioned withrespect to the first optic subsystem such that the first photosensitiveelement array receives a first portion of the first scene; and whereinthe transparent photodetector subsystem transmits at least a portion ofthe visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes atleast the first portion of the first scene.

A storage device that includes machine-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by a configurable circuit, cause the configurable circuit totransition to image analysis circuitry is provided. The image analysiscircuitry may: receive, from a first photosensitive element arraydisposed in a transparent photodetector subsystem, a first signal thatincludes information indicative of at least a portion of a first scenein a field-of-view of a first optic subsystem; detect at least oneobject included in the first scene; determine at least one parameterassociated with the at least one object appearing in the first scene;and generate a display output signal that includes data representativeof the at least one parameter associated with the at least one objectappearing in the first scene, wherein the data representative of the atleast one parameter is displayed in a defined location in a transparentdisplay subsystem with respect to the at least one object.

As used herein, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “upward,”“downward,” “upwardly,” “downwardly” and similar directional termsshould be understood in their relative and not absolute sense. Thus, acomponent described as being “upwardly displaced” may be considered“laterally displaced” if the device carrying the component is rotated 90degrees and may be considered “downwardly displaced” if the devicecarrying the component is inverted. Such implementations should beconsidered as included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “visible electromagnetic spectrum” refers tothe portion of the human-visible electromagnetic spectrum havingwavelengths falling between approximately 400 nanometers (nm) andapproximately 750 nm. Such electromagnetic radiation may be colloquiallyreferred to as “visible light.”

As used herein, the terms “near infrared,” “near IR,” and “NIR” refer tothe portion of the electromagnetic spectrum having wavelengths fallingbetween approximately 750 nm and approximately 900 nm.

As used herein, the terms “short wave infrared,” “shortwave IR,” and“SWIR” refer to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum havingwavelengths falling between approximately 900 nm and approximately 1700nm (1.7 μm).

As used herein, the term “ultraviolet electromagnetic spectrum,” and “UVelectromagnetic spectrum” refer to a portion of the electromagneticspectrum that includes one or more of: the UVA electromagnetic spectrumhaving wavelengths falling between approximately 315 nanometers (nm) andapproximately 400 nm; the UVB electromagnetic spectrum havingwavelengths falling between approximately 280 nm and approximately 315nm; and/or the UVC electromagnetic spectrum having wavelengths fallingbetween approximately 200 nm and approximately 280 nm.

As used herein, the term “optical axis” when used in reference to anoptical device refers to the optical centerline through the center ofone or more lenses comprising least a portion of the optical device.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” when used in reference to adevice refers to an axis through the longest or greatest dimension ofthe device. Thus, for a rectangular object, the “longitudinal axis”would refer to an axis parallel to the longest side of the rectangle.For an ellipse, the “longitudinal axis” would refer to an axis extendingthrough (i.e., collinear with) the major axis of the ellipse.

As used herein, the term “lateral axis” when used in reference to adevice refers to an axis through the shortest or smallest dimension ofthe device. Thus, for a rectangular object, the “lateral axis” wouldrefer to an axis parallel to the shortest side of the rectangle. For anellipse, the “lateral axis” would refer to an axis extending through(i.e., collinear with) the minor axis of the ellipse.

FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative enhanced vision system 100A thatincludes a first optic subsystem 110 disposed along a first optical axis112 and a transparent photodetector subsystem 120 disposed along asecond optical axis 122 that is different than the first optical axis112, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.Operationally, the system user positions an eye 170 proximate aneyepiece optics 160 positioned along the second optical axis 122 and isable to view an enhanced version of a first scene 150 captured orotherwise acquired by the first optic subsystem 110. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1A, the first optical axis 112 and the second opticalaxis 122 are not coaxially aligned and a spectral redirector 130 maytransition at least a portion of the spectral content output by thefirst optic subsystem 110 along the first optical axis 112 to the secondoptical axis 122.

The transparent photodetector subsystem 120 absorbs at least a portionof the spectral output of the first optic subsystem 110. The remainingportion of the spectral output of the first optic subsystem 110 passesthrough the transparent photodetector subsystem 120, exits thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 and enters the user's eye 170.The spectral content exiting the transparent photodetector subsystem 120provides the user of the enhanced vision system 100A with an enhancedimage of the first scene 150. In at least some implementations, theenhanced image of the first scene 150 includes one or more enhanced,altered, adjusted, or otherwise improved parameters associated with theimage of the first scene 150. Such enhancements may include, but are notlimited to, brightness, contrast, color, focus, or any combinationthereof.

The transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may be communicably coupledto a configurable circuit 140. The configurable circuit 140 may executemachine-readable instruction sets that transform at least a portion ofthe configurable circuit 140 to a dedicated, specific, and particularimage analysis circuit 142. The image analysis circuit 142 receives oneor more signals 144 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120.The one or more signals 144 include information and/or datarepresentative of the image of the first scene 150 received by thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120.

In embodiments, the information and/or data representative of the imageof the first scene 150 may include information and/or data associatedwith one or more portions of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. Inembodiments, the information and/or data representative of the image ofthe first scene 150 may include information and/or data associated withone or more portions of the near infrared (NIR) or short wave infrared(SWIR) electromagnetic spectrum. In yet other embodiments, theinformation and/or data representative of the image of the first scene150 may include information and/or data associated with one or moreportions of visible electromagnetic spectrum and one or more portions ofthe NIR or SWIR electromagnetic spectrum.

All or a portion of the electromagnetic energy exiting the first opticsubsystem 110 provides an output 114 that is introduced to thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120. In embodiments, the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 may be centered along the second opticalaxis 122 that extends parallel to the direction of travel of theincident electromagnetic energy in the output 114 from the first opticsubsystem 110. As depicted in FIG. 1A, in some implementations, thefirst optical axis 112 and the second optical axis 122 may lie alongdifferent axes (i.e., the first optical axis 112 and the second opticalaxis 122 are not collinear).

The first optic subsystem 110 may include any number and/or combinationof currently available or future developed devices and/or systemscapable of gathering or collecting electromagnetic energy across all ora portion of the visible, NIR, SWIR, and/or UV electromagnetic spectra.The first optic subsystem 110 collects information and/or datarepresentative of at least a portion of the first scene 150 within thefield-of-view of the first optic subsystem 110. The first scene 150 mayinclude a multitude and/or variety of objects of potential interest tothe system user. The first optic subsystem 110 is centered along thefirst optical axis 112 that extends parallel to the direction of travelof the incident electromagnetic energy 152 through the first opticsubsystem 110.

The first optic subsystem 110 provides an optically transmissive paththrough which at least a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy152 received from the first scene 150 is able to pass and eventuallyexit the first optic subsystem 110 as an electromagnetic energy output114. In at least some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110provides an optically transmissive path along (i.e., parallel to) thefirst optical axis for at least a portion of the incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 received from the first scene 150. In someimplementations, the first optic subsystem 110 provides an opticallytransmissive path for at least a portion of the visible incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 (i.e., the first optic subsystem 110 permitsthe passage of at least a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy152 received from the first scene 150).

In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include oneor more simple lenses. In some implementations, the first opticsubsystem 110 may include one or more compound lenses. In someimplementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include a singleglass or polycarbonate lens such as found in commercial eyewear. In someimplementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include a pluralityof lenses arranged to provide one or more levels of magnification, suchas found in telescopes, spotting scopes, sighting scopes, microscopes,and similar devices. In some implementations, the first optic subsystem110 may include one or more currently available and/or future developeddevices and/or systems capable of improving vision in low ambient lightconditions, such as one or more light amplifiers, image intensifiers, orsimilar. In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 mayinclude one or more fixed focus lenses. In some implementations, thefirst optic subsystem 110 may include one or more manual orautomatically focusable variable focus lens systems.

The first optic subsystem 110 transmits all or a portion of the incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 to produce the electromagnetic energy output114. The first optic subsystem 110 output may include electromagneticenergy within all or a portion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum,within all or a portion of the NIR electromagnetic spectrum, and/orwithin all or a portion of the SWIR electromagnetic spectrum. In someimplementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may absorb or attenuateat least a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy 152, thus theenergy level of the electromagnetic energy in the signal 114 may be lessthan the energy level of the incident electromagnetic energy 152. Insome implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may amplify theenergy level of the incident electromagnetic energy 152 to produce anoutput 114 in which at least a portion of the electromagnetic spectrumis at an energy level greater than the incident electromagnetic energy152. In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may shift oralter the spectral content of the incident electromagnetic energy 152such that the spectral content of the output 114 at least partiallydiffers from the spectral content of the incident electromagnetic energy152.

The first optic subsystem 110 may include one or more powered devices.Such powered imaging devices include, but are not limited to, one ormore low-light imaging devices or one or more thermal imaging devices.Such powered devices may include, in addition to the imaging device, oneor more illumination sub-systems, such as a NIR illumination subsystem.One or more power supplies 180 may be used to power the first opticsubsystem 110. Such power supplies 180 may include one or more currentor future developed portable energy storage devices. Such portableenergy storage devices may include, but are not limited to: one or moresupercapacitors, one or more ultracapacitors, one or more secondary(i.e., rechargeable) batteries, or combinations thereof.

In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include oneor more devices that selectively limits the amount of light admitted tothe enhanced vision system 100 by the first optic subsystem 110. Forexample, the first optic subsystem 110 may include one or moreelectrochromic elements that selectively limits or controls the amountof light admitted to the enhanced vision system 100. In embodiments, theone or more electrochromic elements may selectively limit or control theamount of light admitted uniformly across the entire field-of-view ofthe enhanced vision system 100. In embodiments, the one or moreelectrochromic elements may selectively limit or control the amount oflight admitted in selected portions of the field-of-view of the enhancedvision system. For example, the one or more electrochromic elements maylimit the amount of light in a localized area proximate an illuminatedstreet light in a night-time scene.

The transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may include any numberand/or combination of current and/or future developed systems and/ordevices capable of transmitting at least a portion of the incidentvisible electromagnetic spectrum of the first scene 150 whilecontemporaneously producing an output 144 that includes informationand/or data representative of the first scene 150 using at least aportion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum, the NIR electromagneticspectrum, the SWIR electromagnetic spectrum, and/or the UVelectromagnetic spectrum. The transparent photodetector subsystem 120may include any number and/or combination of electrical componentsand/or semiconductor devices. The transparent substrate used to supportthe array of photosensitive elements may include polyethyleneterephthalate (PET); indium tin oxide (ITO); borosilicate glass;soda-lime glass; lead glass; aluminosilicate glass; fused silica glass;sapphire (Al₂O₃); polyimide; or similar substances.

In some implementations, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 mayprovide one or more output signals to the first optic subsystem 110. Theone or more output signals may control one or more operational aspectsof the first optic subsystem 110. For example, the one or moretransparent photodetector subsystem output signals may control anaperture of a passive first optic subsystem 110 (e.g., a compound lensarray) in response to the presence of an excessively bright portion ofthe first scene 150. In another example, the one or more transparentphotodetector subsystem output signals may control a gain of an activefirst optic subsystem 110 (e.g., an image intensifier) in response tothe presence of an excessively bright portion of the first scene 150.

In other embodiments, the one or more output signals may control one ormore filtering or reflective element arrays included in the first opticsubsystem 110. For example, the one or more output signals may controlan actuateable array of micromirrors or similar reflective elementsdisposed in the first optic subsystem 110. Such reflective elementarrays may selectively reflect electromagnetic energy having wavelengthsbetween about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 1200 nm away from the firstoptic subsystem 110. In another example, the one or more output signalsmay control an array of light-filtering elements disposed in the firstoptic subsystem 110. Such light-filtering element arrays may selectivelyfilter all or a portion of the electromagnetic energy having wavelengthsof from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 1200 nm from entering thefirst optic subsystem 110. Such reflective or light-filtering elementarrays may beneficially selectively control the quantity of admittedelectromagnetic energy in localized portions of the first opticsubsystem 110, such as areas around bright spots (street lights,signage, interior lights, etc.). Such systems may be combined with anelectrochromic elements to provide further control and/or selectivity ofthe electromagnetic energy admitted to the first optic subsystem 110.

The transmittance of the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 is ameasure of the quantity of incident electromagnetic energy within thevisible electromagnetic spectrum transmitted by the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120. As such the transmittance also provides aqualitative measure of the relative brightness of the image visible tothe system user — the greater the transmittance value, the brighter theimage visible to the system user. The transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 may have a transmittance of: about 50% or greater; about60% or greater; about 70% or greater; about 80% or greater; or about 90%or greater.

In embodiments, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 can includean array of photosensitive elements disposed across at least a portionof a surface of an optically transparent substrate. The transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 permits at least a portion of the visibleelectromagnetic spectrum to pass through the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 while using a portion of at least one of: the visibleelectromagnetic spectrum, the NIR electromagnetic spectrum, and the SWIRelectromagnetic spectrum to generate an output 144 that includesinformation and/or data representative of the first scene 150. In someimplementations, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may use aportion of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum to generate an output 144 thatincludes information and/or data representative of the first scene 150.

In embodiments, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may includeone or more organic transparent photodetectors. In such implementations,the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may include a number ofphotosensitive elements disposed as an array in, on, about, or across atransparent substrate. In some implementations, the photosensitiveelements may include one or more graphene-based photosensitive elementsdeposited via chemical vapor deposition across at least a portion of atransparent substrate. In some implementations, the graphene-basedphotosensitive elements may overcoated (e.g., via spin coating orsimilar deposition techniques) with a metal oxide layer. The metal oxidelayer may include, but is not limited to, titanium oxide (TiO₂); zincoxide (ZnO); cobalt oxide (CO₃O₄); and tungsten oxide (WO₃). In suchimplementations, the metal oxide layer may have a thickness of: about 40nanometers (nm) or less; about 45 nm or less; about 50 nm or less; about55 nm or less; about 60 nm or less; about 70 nm or less; about 80 nm orless; about 90 nm or less; or about 100 nm or less.

In embodiments, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may includephotochemically sensitive nanowires dispersed or otherwise disposed in,on, about, or across all or a portion of the transparent substrate. Forexample, in one implementation, the transparent photodetector subsystem120 may include a nanowire array disposed in a regular or irregularstructure. Such nanowires may be fabricated using one or more current orfuture available metals and/or metal alloys including, but not limitedto: zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or cadmium oxide (CdO).

In embodiments, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may includea tungsten selenide (WSe₂) deposited on a transparent substrate. Such atransparent photodetector subsystem 120 may have a detection range thatextends from about 370 nm to about 1200 nm. The tungsten selenide filmmay be deposited on the transparent substrate via pulsed-laserdeposition (PLD). In embodiments, the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 may include oriented selenium nanobelts (SeNBs) depositedon a transparent substrate using vacuum evaporation.

In embodiments, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may includea silicon on insulator (SoI) substrate, a displaceable structure, and aplurality of silicon nanowires demonstrating a piezoresistance. Thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 may include a waveguide thatdirects the incident electromagnetic energy toward the displaceablestructure. The displaceable structure may displace in proportion to theenergy and/or wavelength of incident electromagnetic energy. Theresistance of the silicon nanowires may be used to generate a signalrepresentative of the first scene 150.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, the electromagnetic energy providing the output114 may exit the first optic subsystem 110 and enter the spectralredirector 130. The spectral redirector 130 may include any numberand/or combination of currently available and/or future developeddevices and/or systems capable of redirecting all or a portion of theelectromagnetic energy included in output 114 to a direction that isgenerally parallel to the second optical axis 122. In embodiments, thespectral redirector 130 may include a plurality of angled reflectivemembers, such as a plurality of angled mirrors, to redirect the output114 of the first optic subsystem 110 to the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120. In embodiments, the spectral redirector 130 may includeat least one prismatic member capable of redirecting all or a portion ofthe output 114 of the first optic subsystem 110 to the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120.

The configurable circuit 140 communicably coupled to the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 may include any number and/or combination ofcurrently available or future developed electronic components and/orsemiconductor devices capable of executing one or more sets ofmachine-readable instructions. Upon executing the one or more sets ofmachine-executable instructions, at least a portion of the configurablecircuit 140 may be transformed to a dedicated and particular imageanalysis circuitry 142. The image analysis circuitry 142 receives theoutput signal 144 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 andenhances one or more parameters or aspects of the image informationand/or data included in the output signal 144 to improve the user'sperception of objects, conditions, and/or situations included in thefirst scene 150. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry142 may provide one or more outputs containing information associatedwith the enhanced parameters to the system user.

The configurable circuit 140 may include, in whole or in part, one ormore hardwired circuits. The configurable circuit 140 may include one ormore controllers, single- or multi-core processors, single- ormulti-core microprocessors, or similar. The configurable circuit 140 mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more digital signal processors(DSPs); one or more reduced instruction set computers (RISCs); one ormore systems-on-a-chip (SoCs); one or more programmable gate arrays(PGAs); one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs);one or more central processing units (CPUs); one or more graphicalprocessing units (GPUs); or combinations thereof. In someimplementations, the configurable circuit 140 may be communicablycoupled to a storage device that stores or otherwise retains a deviceoperating system and/or the machine-executable instruction sets. In someimplementations, the power supply 180 may provide some or all of thepower consumed by the configurable circuit 140.

The electromagnetic energy output 114 from the first optic subsystem 110enters the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. At least a portionof the electromagnetic energy incident upon the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 is absorbed by the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120. The remaining portion of the electromagnetic energy exitsthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 as an output 124. Inembodiments, the output 124 may include electromagnetic energy fallingin the visible electromagnetic spectrum. In some implementations, theoutput 124 may also include electromagnetic energy falling in at leastone of: the NIR electromagnetic spectrum; the SWIR electromagneticspectrum, and/or the UV electromagnetic spectrum. The output 124 fromthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 is generally parallel to thesecond optical axis 122.

The eyepiece optics 160 receive the output 124 of the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120. The eyepiece optics 160 provide a locationfor the system, user to view an enhanced image of the first scene 150.The eyepiece optics 160 may include any number and/or combination of anycurrent or future developed optical devices and/or systems that enablethe system user to view the enhanced image of the first scene 150provided by the enhanced vision system 100A. The eyepiece optics 160 arecentered along the second optical axis 122 such that some or all of theoutput 124 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 fallsincident upon the eyepiece optics 160. In some implementations, theeyepiece optics 160 may invert the image contained in the output 124from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120.

The eyepiece optics 160 may include one or more simple lenses, one ormore compound lenses, or combinations thereof. The eyepiece optics 160may include one or more digital conversion and/or display devices. Forexample, the eyepiece optics 160 may include one or more devices toreceive the output 124 and convert at least a portion of theelectromagnetic energy contained in the output 124 to a digital imagethat may be displayed using a digital output device disposed in, on, orabout the eyepiece optics 160.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of another illustrative enhanced visionsystem 100B in which the first optical axis 112 and the second opticalaxis 122 are coaxially aligned, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein. Such an arrangement beneficially aligns theoptical axis of the first optic subsystem 110 with the optical axis ofthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120. Further, the eyepieceoptics 160 may also be coaxially aligned with the first optic subsystem110 and the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. Such an arrangementbeneficially eliminates the use of the spectral redirector 130 asdescribed in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system200A in which a first optic subsystem 110 is aligned with a firstoptical axis 112 and a transparent photodetector subsystem 120,transparent display subsystem 210, and eyepiece optics 160 are coaxiallydisposed along a second optical axis 122 that is different from thefirst optical axis 112, in accordance with at least one embodimentdescribed herein. In the system 200A, the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 provides an output 144 to the image analysis circuitry142. The output 144 includes information and/or data indicative of thecontent of the first scene 150. Using the information and/or dataprovided by the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 via the output144, the image analysis circuitry 142 enhances the image containing thefirst scene 150 and provides a display output signal 212 to thetransparent display subsystem 210.

The spectral redirector 130 transitions at least a portion of theelectromagnetic energy in the output 114 from traveling along (i.e.,parallel to) the first optical axis 112 to traveling along the secondoptical axis 122. The electromagnetic energy in the output 114 fallsincident on the transparent photodetector subsystem 110 and at least aportion of the electromagnetic energy passes through the transparentphotodetector subsystem 110 and falls incident on the transparentdisplay subsystem 210. At least a portion of the electromagnetic energyin the output 124 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 110 fallsincident upon and passes through the transparent display subsystem 210.

In embodiments, the data or information presented by the transparentdisplay subsystem 210 is provided contemporaneous with the visible imageof the first scene 150 exiting the transparent display subsystem 210.Such an arrangement beneficially permits the display of informationrelevant, related, or associated with the first scene 150 and/or objectsappearing in the first scene 150 contemporaneous with the image of thefirst scene 150. For example, the image analysis circuit 142 maycommunicate or otherwise exchange information with one or more local orremote data structures to perform facial recognition on personsappearing in the first scene 150. Upon identifying an individual, theimage analysis circuit 142 may generate the output 212 that displays theindividual's name and, optionally, biographical information directly inthe image viewed by the system user through the eyepiece optics 160.

In another example, the image analysis circuit 142 may communicate,transmit, or otherwise exchange information with one or more local orremote data structures in executing a landmark identificationapplication. In such an application, the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 would forward an output 144 that includes informationand/or data indicative of landmarks within the first scene 150 to theimage analysis circuitry 142. The image analysis circuitry 142 wouldidentify the particular landmark and generate the display output signal212 that includes the name of the landmark and information related tothe landmark directly in the image viewed by the system user through theeyepiece optics 160. The system 200A may display such informationproximate or even overlaying the respective identified landmark.

In another example, the image analysis circuit 142 may communicate,transmit, or otherwise exchange information with one or more local orremote data structures (e.g., databases, data stores, or similar) inexecuting an object identification, object recognition, or shaperecognition application. Using such an application, the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 would forward an output 144 to the imageanalysis circuitry 142. The output 144 may include information and/ordata indicative of objects included in the first scene 150. The imageanalysis circuitry 142 would identify the shapes or other objectsincluded in the first scene 150 and generate a display output signal 212that includes the designators or other visible indicators identifyingthe shapes and/or objects appearing in the first scene 150. In someimplementations, such designators or indicators may display a “halo”about the respective identified object in the first scene 150. The imageanalysis circuitry 142 may display such designators or indicatorsdirectly in the image viewed by the system user through the eyepieceoptics 160.

The transparent display subsystem 210 may include any number and/orcombination of currently available and/or future developed devicesand/or systems capable of receiving the output 212 from the imageanalysis circuit 142 and generating a visible display output. In someimplementations, the transparent display subsystem may include one ormore display outputs disposed in, on, or, about a transparent substrate.In some implementations, the transparent display subsystem 210 may bedisposed at least partially in, on, or about a second surface of thetransparent substrate on which the transparent photodetector subsystem120 is disposed. For example, the transparent photodetector subsystem120 may be disposed on a first surface of a generally planar transparentsubstrate and the transparent display subsystem 210 may be disposed in,on, or about a second surface that is transversely opposed to the firstsurface of the transparent substrate.

The transparent display subsystem 210 may include any self-illuminateddisplay device. Example self-illuminated transparent display devices mayinclude, but are not limited to, a transparent organic light emittingdiode (TOLED) display, a transparent thin film transistor (TFT) display,or a transparent light emitting diode (TLED) display. In embodiments,the transparent display subsystem 210 may include: one or more displaydevices that include pixels or similar light emitting elements; one ormore display devices that include segments or similar light emittingelements; or combinations thereof. In some implementations, thetransparent display subsystem may include one or more transparentdisplays fabricated using a silicon on transparent insulator (e.g.,silicon-on-glass) technology.

The transparent display subsystem 210 may include one or more displaydevices using individually addressable elements, such as individuallyaddressable pixels, segments, or similar. In embodiments, the use ofindividually addressable elements while in a low power mode of operationis facilitated using relatively few energized pixels and/or segments toprovide information and/or data to the system user. The use ofindividually addressable display elements advantageously permitsindividual control of color and brightness of the display elements. Suchindividual display element control beneficially provides multi-levelfeedback to the system user. For example, by designating critical orpriority information using display element color and/or brightness, thesystem user quickly identifies items within their field-of-viewrequiring immediate attention. In embodiments, the transparent displaysubsystem 210 simultaneously energizes: about 10% or less of availableor total display elements; about 20% or less of available or totaldisplay elements; about 30% or less of available or total displayelements; about 40% or less of available or total display elements; orabout 50% or less of available or total display elements.

The transparent display subsystem 210 may include one or more passivematrix display devices, one or more active matrix display devices, orany combination thereof. Example, non-limiting, passive-matrix displaydevices include: passive-matrix transparent organic light emitting diode(PMOLED) displays; passive-matrix quantum dot displays; passive-matrixtransparent liquid crystal displays; transparent passive-matrixmicro-light emitting diode displays; transparent thin film transistor(TFT) displays and similar. Example, non-limiting active-matrix displaydevices include: passive-matrix transparent organic light emitting diode(AMOLED) displays; transparent electroluminescent displays; activematrix nanowire displays; active-matrix thin film transistor displays;and similar. The transparent display subsystem 210 may be disposedproximate or distal from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120.The transparent display subsystem 210 may include various useraccessible controls and/or adjustments to control one or more of: abrightness parameter, a color parameter, a contrast parameter, a tintparameter, or combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the transparent display subsystem 210 may include one ormore projection devices and one or more at least partially reflectivemembers. In some implementations, the projection device may bepositioned on an optical axis different than the second optical axis122. In some implementations, the projection device may be positionedalong an axis that is parallel to the second axis 122 or disposed at anangle (e.g., perpendicular,) 90° to the second axis 122. In someimplementations, the projection device may project the display outputtoward the partially reflective member and the partially reflectivemember may transition the display output to the second axis 122. In suchembodiments, the electromagnetic energy 124 corresponding to the visibleimage exiting the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may passthrough or around the partially reflective member, thereby allowing thesystem user to contemporaneously view the display output and the visibleimage via the eyepiece optics 160.

The transmittance of the transparent display subsystem 210 is a measureof the quantity of incident electromagnetic energy within the visibleelectromagnetic spectrum transmitted by the transparent displaysubsystem 210. As such the transmittance also provides a qualitativemeasure of the relative brightness of the image visible to the systemuser — the greater the transmittance value, the brighter the imagevisible to the system user. The transparent display subsystem may have atransmittance of: about 50% or greater; about 60% or greater; about 70%or greater; about 80% or greater; or about 90% or greater.

In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may align thedisplay output 212 with the image of the first scene 150 passing throughthe transparent display subsystem 210. Such beneficially permits thealignment of the information displayed using the transparent displaysubsystem 210 with the actual image of the first scene 150 exiting thetransparent display subsystem 210. Such enables, for example, theenhanced vision system 200A to generate and display a target designatorover an object, subject, or shape identified as a potential target bythe image analysis circuitry 142.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of another illustrative enhanced visionsystem 200B in which the first optical axis 112 and the second opticalaxis 122 are coaxially aligned, in accordance with at least oneembodiment described herein. Such an arrangement beneficially aligns theoptical axis of the first optic subsystem 110 with the optical axis ofthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 and the transparent displaysubsystem 210. Further, the eyepiece optics 160 may also be coaxiallyaligned with the first optic subsystem 110, the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120, and the transparent display subsystem 210.Such an arrangement beneficially eliminates the use of the spectralredirector 130 as described in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system300 in which an enhanced vision system 100A, 100B, 200A, 200B such asdepicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, respectively, is communicablycoupled via a network 310 to line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320, inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Inembodiments, the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 is operably coupledto an external device 330. In some implementations, the external device330 may include a targeting scope or similar device that is, in turn,coupled to a device such as a firearm carried by the user of theenhanced vision system.

The external device 330 may include any number of currently available orfuture developed devices and/or systems that are aligned with a thirdoptical axis 332 that is capable of generating a signal 334 thatincludes information and/or data representative of a second scene 340appearing within the field-of-view of the external device 330. Forexample, the external device 330 may include a targeting scope attachedto a firearm and the second scene 340 may be aligned with a targetdesignator (e.g., a laser “dot” or similar designator) corresponding tothe targeting point for the firearm. In such an instance, theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 340 may generate and/or communicate,transmit, or otherwise exchange one or more signals 334 that includeinformation and/or data corresponding to an image of the second scene340 including the target designator generated or otherwise produced bythe external device 330.

The system 300 advantageously merges and/or combines the informationand/or data provided by the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 withthe information and/or data provided by the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320. The image analysis circuitry 142 then aligns a firstimage represented or provided by the information and/or data receivedfrom the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 with a second imagerepresented or provided by the information and/or data received from theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320. The image analysis circuitry 142aligns and overlays or otherwise merges the combined first image (fromthe transparent display subsystem 210) and second image (from theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320) with the visible image of the firstscene 150 transmitted through the transparent display subsystem 210.

The display output signal 212 provided to the transparent displaysubsystem 210 is thus advantageously able to identify objects orsubjects appearing in the first scene 150 and is also able to provide anindication of the line-of-sight of the external device 330. As such, thedisplay output signal 212 contains information and/or data that, whencombined with the image of the first scene 150 passing through thetransparent display subsystem 210, permits the system user to identifyobjects or subjects appearing in the first scene 150 and identify thetargeting location of the firearm coupled to the external device 330based on information provided by the line-of-sight imaging circuitry320. Advantageously, such object identification and targetinginformation and/or data is provided in real time or near real time,thereby facilitating the system user's prompt response to threatspresent within the first scene 150.

The network 310 communicably coupling the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320 with the image analysis circuitry 142 may include one ormore wired networks and/or one or more wireless networks. Inembodiments, the one or more wireless networks may include one or morepersonal area networks. In embodiments, the one or more wirelessnetworks may include, but is not limited to, a BLUETOOTH® wirelessnetwork; a near field communication (NFC) wireless network, an INSTEON®wireless network, an IrDA wireless network, a wireless USB network; aZ-wave network; or a ZigBee wireless network.

The line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 may include any number and/orcombination of currently available or future developed devices and/orsystems capable of executing one or more sets of machine-readableinstructions that at least cause the wired or wireless communication ofimage data from the external device 330 to the image analysis circuitry142. In some implementations, all or a portion of the line-of-sightimaging circuitry 320 may include a hardwired circuit. The line-of-sightimaging circuitry 320 may include any number and/or combination of anycurrently available and/or future developed electronic components and/orsemiconductor devices. The line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more one or more digital signalprocessors (DSPs); one or more reduced instruction set computers(RISCs); one or more systems-on-a-chip (SoCs); one or more programmablegate arrays (PGAs); one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs); one or more central processing units (CPUs); one or moregraphical processing units (GPUs); or combinations thereof.

The line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 may include one or more storagedevices that may be used to store or otherwise retain machine-readableinstruction sets executable by the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320as well as information, and/or data used by the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320. At least one of the applications executable by theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 may include an application thatcollects or otherwise acquires in real-time or on a near real-time basisinformation and/or data generated or otherwise collected by the externaldevice 330. In some instances, the information and/or data generated bythe external device 330 may include information representative of thesecond scene 340 falling within the line-of-sight of the external device330 and/or the device to which the external device 330 is operablycoupled. For example, the external device 330 may include a targetingscope with a laser designator that is operably coupled to a firearm suchthat the laser designator indicates the targeting point for the firearm.The line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 may be disposed partially orcompletely within the external device 330 or may be disposed remote fromthe external device 330. The line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 mayreceive information and/or data representative of the field-of-view ofthe targeting scope and may also include information and/or dataindicative of the location of the laser designator within thefield-of-view of the targeting scope. The line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320 may communicate some or all of the information and/or datareceived from the external device 330 to the image analysis circuitry142.

In some instances, the external device 330 and/or the line-of-sightimaging circuitry 320 may execute one or more image analysisapplications. Such image analysis applications may permit either or boththe external device 330 and/or the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320to perform analyses such as shape recognition, target acquisition,and/or targeting data. Beneficially, by performing such analyses at theexternal device level or at the line-of-sight imaging circuitry level,such analyses may be tailored to the specific system to which theexternal device 330 is communicably coupled. For example, an externaldevice 330 coupled to a surface-to-air missile system may havespecialized shape recognition applications that quickly resolve shapesassociated with aircraft, helicopters, drones, and other airbornevehicles while not resolving or less speedily resolving shapesassociated with trucks and armored vehicles. Similarly, an externaldevice 330 coupled to a light anti-tank weapon (LAW) may havespecialized shape recognition applications that quickly resolve shapesassociated with armored vehicles such as tanks and armored personnelcarriers while not resolving or less speedily resolving shapesassociated with airborne vehicles such as aircraft and helicopters. Insuch instances, the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 may communicateinformation and/or data 322 to the image analysis circuitry 142including those shapes, objects or similar subjects already identifiedor recognized by the external device 330 and/or line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320. Such may beneficially improve the response time of theimage analysis circuitry 142 in presenting the information to the systemuser via the transparent display subsystem 210.

The external device 330, as discussed above, may include any numberand/or combination of currently available and/or future developeddevices and/or systems capable of collecting information and/or datarepresentative of the second scene 340 and communicating the collectedinformation and/or data to the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320. Insome implementations, the external device 330 may be operably coupled toanother device or system and may provide information and/or dataregarding one or more performance parameters of the attached device orsystem. In some implementations, the external device 330 may include oneor more passive devices or systems, such as one or more imageacquisition devices. In some implementations, the external device 330may include one or more active devices or systems, such as one or moreilluminators, one or more infrared illuminators, one or more lasertarget designators, or combinations thereof. In some implementations,the external device 330 may include a combination of passive and activedevices.

In some implementations, the external device 330 may be a “generic”device coupleable to a wide variety of devices and/or systems.Non-limiting examples of such “generic” devices or systems include:targeting scopes attachable to a wide variety of firearms, imageacquisition devices (e.g., GoPro) attachable to a wide variety ofsurfaces, etc. In some implementations, the external device 330 may be aparticular device coupleable to a specific or limited number of devicesand/or systems. Non-limiting examples of such specific devices orsystems include: targeting systems for a particular weapons system, etc.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system 400that includes an enhanced vision system 200 communicably coupled to anexternal device, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In embodiments, the enhanced vision system 200 mayinclude one or more of the following: a connectivity subsystem 410; aninput subsystem 420; a memory subsystem 430; a sensor subsystem 440; anoutput subsystem 450; an audio/visual (A/V) input/output system 460; anda power supply subsystem 470. The various subsystems may be communicablycoupled to the configurable circuit 140 and/or the image analysiscircuitry 142 via one or more communications links 482. For example, viaone or more serial or parallel buses 482.

The connectivity subsystem 410 may include any number and/or combinationof currently available and/or future developed wired and/or wirelesstransmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers. Example transmitters,receivers, and/or transceivers include, but are not limited to: one ormore geolocation transceivers 412 (e.g., global positioning system/GPS;global navigation satellite system/GLONASS, Galileo); one or more IEEE802.11 (Wi-Fi®) transceivers 414; one or more cellular transceivers 416(e.g., CDMA, GSM, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE); one or more personal area networktransceivers 418 (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) transceivers,BLUETOOTH® transceivers). In at least some implementations, theconnectivity subsystem 410 enables the enhanced vision system 200 tocommunicably couple to one or more external devices and/or systems viaone or more networks 144. The one or more networks 144 may include, butare not limited to: one or more personal area networks (PANs); one ormore local area networks (LANs); one or more metropolitan area networks(MANs); one or more virtual private networks (VPNs); one or more widearea networks (WANs); and/or one or more worldwide are networks (WWANs,such as the Internet).

The input subsystem 420 may include any number and/or combination ofcurrently available and/or future developed devices and/or systemscapable of receiving user input and providing one or more inputsincluding information and/or data corresponding to the received userinput to the configurable circuit 140 and/or the image analysiscircuitry 142. The input subsystem 420 may include input devices suchas: one or more keyboards or similar text entry devices 422; one or morebuttons or switches 424; and/or one or more biometric input devices 426.In some implementations, the one or more biometric input devices 426 mayinclude one or more pupil or retina scanners capable of detecting themovement, motion, or direction of the system user's pupils and/or one ormore blink counters that determine one or more parameters of a user'sblink rate.

The memory subsystem 430 may include any number and/or combination ofany currently available and/or future developed devices and/or systemscapable of storing or otherwise retaining digital information and/ordata. The memory subsystem 430 may include one or more storage devices432. The one or more storage devices 432 may include, but are notlimited to: one or more solid state drives (SSDs); one or moreelectrically erasable programmable rad only memories (EEPROMs); one ormore rotating magnetic storage devices; one or more optical storagedevices; one or more molecular storage devices, or combinations thereof.The one or more storage devices 432 may include one or more fixed orremovable storage devices.

The memory subsystem 430 may additionally include one or more randomaccess memories (RAM) 434 and/or read-only memories(ROM) 436 either orboth of which may be provided in a fixed or removable format. In someimplementations, the memory subsystem 430 may store or otherwise retainmachine-readable instruction sets such as bootstrap code to enable theloading of an operating system 438 upon startup of the enhanced visionsystem 200. The memory subsystem 430 may include memory configured tohold information and/or data generated during the operation of enhancedvision system 200. Such memory may include, but is not limited to,static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM). The ROM 434 may include storagedevices such as basic input/output system (BIOS) memory configured toprovide instructions when the enhanced vision system 200 activates,programmable memories such as electronic programmable ROMs, (EPROMS),Flash, etc. The memory subsystem 430 may include other fixed and/orremovable memory such as floppy disks, hard drives, etc., electronicmemories such as solid state flash memory (e.g., eMMC), removable memorycards or sticks (e.g., uSD, USB), optical memories such as compactdisc-based ROM (CD-ROM), or combinations thereof.

The memory subsystem 430 may include data, machine-readable instructionsets, and/or applications 439 that may cause the image analysiscircuitry 142 to generate an output signal that includes informationand/or data that, when combined with the image transmitted by thetransparent display subsystem 210, provides the system user with anenhanced vision experience. Such enhanced user experiences may bereferred to as “augmented reality” as data or information is combinedwith the image in near real time.

The memory subsystem 430 may include one or more applications 439 thatcause the image analysis circuitry 142 to perform one or more shape orobject detection methods using the image information and/or data in thesignal 144 provided by the transparent photodetector subsystem 110 tothe image analysis circuitry 142.

The memory subsystem 430 may include one or more applications 439 thatcause the image analysis circuitry 142 to perform one or more shape orobject recognition/identification methods using the image informationand/or data in the signal 144 provided by the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 110 to the image analysis circuitry 142.

The memory subsystem 430 may include one or more applications 439 thatcause the image analysis circuity 142 to perform one or more facialrecognition methods using information and/or data in the signal 144provided by the transparent photodetector subsystem 110 to the imageanalysis circuitry 142.

The memory subsystem 430 may include one or more applications 439 thatcause the image analysis circuitry 142 to align the image data includedin the signal 144 provided to the transparent display subsystem 210 withthe visible image transmitted through the transparent display subsystem210.

The sensor subsystem 440 may include any number and/or combination ofcurrently available and/or future developed devices and/or systemscapable of detecting one or more internal and/or external parametersand/or conditions and generating one or more signals containinginformation and/or data representative of the respective detectedparameter and/or condition. The sensor subsystem 440 may include to anynumber and/or combination of any currently available and/or futuredeveloped sensors, sensing elements, sensing devices, sensing systems,detectors, imagers, and the like. Non-limiting examples of such sensorsinclude: one or more temperature sensors 442; one or more accelerationand/or gyroscopic sensors 444; one or more light sensors 446; one ormore proximity sensors 448; or any combination thereof (hereinafterreferred to singly or in any combination of multiple sensors as“sensors”). In embodiments, the sensor subsystem 440 may provide theconfigurable circuit 140 and/or the image analysis circuitry 142 withinformation and/or data indicative of one or more operational parametersof the enhanced vision system 200; one or more motion, direction, ororientations parameters of the enhanced vision system 200; one or moreexternal conditions about the enhanced vision system 200; or anycombination thereof.

In some implementations, information and/or data received by the imageanalysis circuitry 142 from one or more sensors may be used by the imageanalysis circuitry 142 to provide additional information and/or data tothe system user. Such information and/or data may be incorporated into adisplay output provided to the transparent display subsystem 210. Suchinformation and/or data may be provided to the system user via otherhuman perceptible feedback systems such as the audio/visual input/outputsubsystem 460 or via a haptic or tactile feedback subsystem. At least aportion of the sensor subsystem may be disposed remote from the enhancedvision system. For example, a number of the sensors may be terrestrialor airborne based sensors that are communicably coupled to the imageanalysis circuitry 142 via one or more wired or wireless networks. Insome implementations, some or all of the sensors may provide informationand/or data to the image analysis circuitry 142 on a continuous basis inreal-time or in near real-time. In some implementations, some or all ofthe sensors may provide information and/or data to the image analysiscircuitry 142 on an event driven basis—for example upon detecting anoccurrence of one or more defined events. In some implementations, someor all of the sensors may selectively provide the image analysiscircuitry 142 with information and/or data upon request by the systemoperator. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 mayselectively poll one or more communicably coupled sensors forinformation and/or data that may be incorporated into the informationpresented to the system operator via the transparent display subsystem210.

The output subsystem 450 may include any number and/or combination ofcurrently available and/or future developed devices and/or systemscapable of generating one or more user perceptible outputs. The outputsubsystem 450 may include one or more haptic/tactile output devices 452.The output subsystem 450 includes the transparent display subsystem 210.The output subsystem 450 may also include the eyepiece optics 160.

The A/V Input/Output (I/O) subsystem 460 may include any number and/orcombination of currently available and/or future developed devicesand/or systems capable of receiving and/or transmitting audio dataand/or video data. The A/V I/O system 460 may include, but is notlimited to one or more audio output devices 462. The A/V I/O system 460may include the transparent photodetector subsystem 110.

The power supply subsystem 470 may include any number and/or combinationof any currently available and/or future developed devices and/orsystems capable of providing the enhanced vision system 200 withoperating power. The power supply subsystem 470 may include, but is notlimited to, one or more power management control circuits 472; one ormore power sensors 474 (voltage sensors, current sensors, etc.); one ormore wireless charging systems 476; one or more wired charging systems478; one or more energy storage devices 480 (secondary batteries,supercapacitors, ultracapacitors, etc.) or combinations thereof.

The external device 330 may include one or more configurable circuits490 capable of executing one or more machine-readable instruction sets.Upon executing at least a portion of the one or more machine-readableinstruction sets, at least a portion of the one or more configurablecircuits 490 may be transformed into particular and specializedline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320.

The external device 330 may include one or more storage devices 492. Theone or more storage devices 492 may include any number and/orcombination of currently available and/or future developed digital datastorage device. The one or more storage devices 492 may be used to storeor otherwise retain an operating system and one or more applicationsexecutable by the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320. The one or morestorage devices 492 may comprise at least a portion of the configurablecircuit 490. The one or more storage devices 492 may include, but arenot limited to: one or more solid state drives (SSDs); one or moreelectrically erasable programmable rad only memories (EEPROMs); one ormore rotating magnetic storage devices; one or more optical storagedevices; one or more molecular storage devices, or combinations thereof.The one or more storage devices 492 may include one or more fixed orremovable storage devices.

The external device 330 may include one or more memory subsystems 493.The one or more memory subsystems 493 may additionally include one ormore random access memories (RAM) 494 and/or read-only memories (ROM)495 either or both of which may be provided in a fixed or removableformat. In some implementations, the memory subsystem 493 may store orotherwise retain machine-readable instruction sets such as bootstrapcode to enable the loading of an operating system upon startup of theexternal device 330. The memory subsystem 493 may include memoryconfigured to hold information and/or data generated during theoperation of external device 330. Such memory may include, but is notlimited to, static RAM (SRAM) or Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

The memory subsystem 493 may include data, machine-readable instructionsets, and/or applications 496 that may cause the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320 to generate an output signal that includes informationand/or data that, when combined with the image transmitted by thetransparent display subsystem 210, provides the system user with anenhanced vision experience. Such enhanced user experiences may bereferred to as “augmented reality” as data or information is combinedwith the image in real time or near real time.

The memory subsystem 493 may include one or more applications 496 thatcause the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 to perform one or moreshape or object detection methods using the image information and/ordata in the signal 322 provided to the image analysis circuitry 142.

The memory subsystem 493 may include one or more applications 496 thatcause the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 to perform one or moreshape or object recognition/identification methods using the imageinformation and/or data in the signal 322 provided by the transparentphotodetector subsystem 110 to the image analysis circuitry 142.

The memory subsystem 493 may include one or more applications 496 thatcause the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 to perform one or morefacial recognition methods using information and/or data in the signal322 provided to the image analysis circuitry 142.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system500 that includes a first optical subsystem 110, a spectral redirector130, a transparent photodetector subsystem 120 that includes aphotosensitive element array 510 disposed on a first side of atransparent conductor 512, and eyepiece optics 160, in accordance withat least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 from a first scene 150 is collected by thefirst optical subsystem 110. The electromagnetic output 114 from thefirst optical subsystem 110 travels along the first optical axis 112.The spectral redirector 130 receives at least a portion of theelectromagnetic output 114 from the first optical subsystem 110.

The spectral redirector 130 includes at least a first reflective surface520A and a second reflective surface 520B. The electromagnetic energy114 received from the first optical subsystem 110, traveling along thefirst optical axis 112, enters the spectral redirector 130. Within thespectral redirector 130, the first reflective surface 520A reflects atleast a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy 114 and directsthe electromagnetic energy 114 towards the second reflective surface520B. The electromagnetic energy 114 reflects from the second reflectivesurface 520B and exits the spectral redirector 130 along the secondoptical axis 122.

A first portion of the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the spectralredirector 130 falls incident upon a photosensitive element array 510disposed on a first surface of a transparent substrate 512. About 25% ormore; about 50% or more; about 75% or more; about 90% or more; about 95%or more; or about 99% or more of the electromagnetic energy 114 incidentupon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 falls incident on thephotosensitive element array 510. The remaining portion of theelectromagnetic energy 114 exiting the spectral redirector 130 fallsincident upon the transparent substrate 512. About 1% or less; about 5%or less; about 10% or less; about 25% or less; about 50% or less; orabout 75% or less of the electromagnetic energy 114 incident upon thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 falls incident on thetransparent substrate 512. The electromagnetic energy 114 passes throughthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 and travels along the secondoptical axis 122 towards the eyepiece optics 160. The electromagneticenergy 124 passes through the eyepiece optics 160 and exits along thesecond optical axis to form an enhanced visible image of at least aportion of the first scene 150 that is viewable by the system user 170.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system600 that includes a first optical subsystem 110, a transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 that includes a photosensitive element array510 disposed on a first side of a transparent conductor 512, andeyepiece optics 160 disposed along a common optical axis, in accordancewith at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 from a first scene 150 is collected by thefirst optical subsystem 110. The electromagnetic output 114 from thefirst optical subsystem 110 travels along the first optical axis 112.

A first portion of the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the firstoptical subsystem 110 falls incident upon a photosensitive element array510 disposed on a first surface of a transparent substrate 512. About25% or more; about 50% or more; about 75% or more; about 90% or more;about 95% or more; or about 99% or more of the electromagnetic energy114 incident upon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 fallsincident on the photosensitive element array 510. The remaining portionof the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the first optical subsystem110 falls incident upon the transparent substrate 512. About 1% or less;about 5% or less; about 10% or less; about 25% or less; about 50% orless; or about 75% or less of the electromagnetic energy 114 incidentupon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 falls incident on thetransparent substrate 512. The electromagnetic energy 114 passes throughthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 and travels along the secondoptical axis 122 towards the eyepiece optics 160. The electromagneticenergy 124 passes through the eyepiece optics 160 and exits along thesecond optical axis to form an enhanced visible image of at least aportion of the first scene 150 that is viewable by the system user 170.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative enhanced vision system700 that includes a first optical subsystem 110, a transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 that includes a photosensitive element array510 disposed on a first side of a transparent conductor 512 and a secondphotosensitive element array 620 that may be disposed in a second sideof the transparent conductor 512, and eyepiece optics 160 disposed alonga common optical axis, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Incident electromagnetic energy 152 from a firstscene 150 is collected by the first optical subsystem 110. Theelectromagnetic output 114 from the first optical subsystem 110 travelsalong the first optical axis 112.

A first portion of the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the firstoptical subsystem 110 falls incident upon a photosensitive element array510 disposed on a first surface of a transparent substrate 512. About25% or more; about 50% or more; about 75% or more; about 90% or more;about 95% or more; or about 99% or more of the electromagnetic energy114 incident upon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 fallsincident on the photosensitive element array 510. The remaining portionof the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the first optical subsystem110 falls incident upon the transparent substrate 512. About 1% or less;about 5% or less; about 10% or less; about 25% or less; about 50% orless; or about 75% or less of the electromagnetic energy 114 incidentupon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 falls incident on thetransparent substrate 512. The electromagnetic energy 114 passes throughthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 and travels along the secondoptical axis 122 towards the eyepiece optics 160. The electromagneticenergy 124 passes through the eyepiece optics 160 and exits along thesecond optical axis to form an enhanced visible image of at least aportion of the first scene 150 that is viewable by the system user 170.

An electromagnetic energy 610 that includes an image of the systemuser's eye 170 enters the eyepiece optics 160, traveling in a directionopposite to the electromagnetic energy 530 exiting the eyepiece optics160. The electromagnetic energy 612 exits the eyepiece optics 160 andfalls incident upon a second photosensitive element array 620. Asdepicted in FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the second photosensitiveelement array 620 may be disposed, at least in part on at least aportion of a second surface of the transparent substrate 512. In otherembodiments, the second photosensitive element array 620 may be disposedin whole or in part on a second transparent substrate disposed eitherproximate or spaced from the transparent substrate 512 that carries thefirst photosensitive element array 510.

The second photosensitive element array 620 generates a signal 630 thatincludes information and/or data regarding one or more parametersassociated with the system user's eye 170. Such parameters may include,but are not limited to: the location of the system user's pupillocation, a direction of movement of the system user's pupil, a speed ofmovement of the system user's pupil, and/or a system user's blink rate.The signal 630 may be communicated to the image analysis circuitry 142.In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may executemachine-readable instruction sets that permit the system user to adjust,alter, and/or control one or more parameters of the enhanced visionsystem 200 using the parameters associated with the user's eye. Forexample, the system user may scroll through a menu using an UP and DOWNeye movement and may use a designated blink count to SELECT an item fromthe menu.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an illustrative enhanced vision system800 that includes a first optical subsystem 110 in the form of an imageintensifier disposed along a first optical axis 112, a spectralredirector 130, and a transparent photodetector subsystem 120, atransparent display subsystem 210, and eyepiece optics 160 disposedalong a second optical axis, in accordance with at least one embodimentof the present disclosure. The image intensifier receives incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 from the first scene 150. The imageintensifier, enhances the ambient light image of the first scene 150 andgenerates an electromagnetic energy output 114 that may be color shifted(i.e., visible in a different frequency band or spectrum) than theoriginal incident electromagnetic energy 152. For example, the imageintensifier may output electromagnetic energy 114 across a predominantlygreen portion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., between 510nm and 570 nm). The electromagnetic energy 114 emitted by the imageintensifier travels along the first optical axis 112 and falls incidentupon the spectral redirector 130.

The spectral redirector 130 redirects the incident electromagneticenergy 114 such that the electromagnetic energy 114 exits the spectralredirector 130 along the second optical axis 122. The electromagneticenergy 114 falls incident upon the transparent photodetector subsystem120. Using at least a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy114, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 generates a signal 144that includes information and/or data representative of at least aportion of the first scene 150. The electromagnetic energy 124 exits thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 and enters the transparentdisplay subsystem 210.

The image analysis circuitry 142 generates an output signal 212 thatincludes information and/or data for display on the transparent displaysubsystem 210. Such information and/or data may include, but are notlimited to: one or more designators identifying objects appearing in thefirst scene 150; one or more sets of identification informationassociated with objects and/or persons appearing in the first scene 150;one or more environmental parameters associated with the first scene150; information and/or data associated with a building, structure, orsimilar object appearing in the first scene 150; or combinationsthereof. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 mayuse one or more object detection, recognition, and/or identificationmethods to analyze the information and/or data included in the signal144 received from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. In someimplementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may use one or morebiometric, facial, and/or human detection, recognition, and/oridentification methods to analyze the information and/or data includedin the signal 144 received from the transparent photodetector subsystem120.

In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may align theinformation and/or data included in the signal 212 provided to thetransparent display subsystem 210 with persons, objects, and/or elementsappearing in the image of the first scene 150. In some implementations,such alignment may be achieved by the image analysis circuitry 142 usingthe information and/or data included in the signal 144 received from thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120.

The visible electromagnetic energy exiting the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 is combined with the visible output of the transparentdisplay subsystem 210 to provide a composite image 810 to the eyepieceoptics 160. In the composite image 810, the information and/or dataprovided by the image analysis circuitry 142 to the transparent displaysubsystem 210 via signal 212 is displayed contemporaneously with thevisible image provided by the image intensifier output. Advantageously,the image analysis circuitry 142 updates the information in the signal212 supplied to the transparent display subsystem 210 on a nearreal-time or real-time basis, thereby enabling the near-real time orreal-time updating of the information provided in the visible image 812of the first scene displayed to the system user. Such permits, forexample, a target designator for a moving object in the first scene 150to “follow” the movement of the object, thereby allowing more accurateassessment by the user of the enhanced vision system 800.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an illustrative enhanced vision system900 that includes a first optical subsystem 110 in the form of an imageintensifier, a transparent photodetector subsystem 120, a transparentdisplay subsystem 210, and eyepiece optics 160 disposed along a commonoptical axis, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The image intensifier receives incident electromagneticenergy 152 from the first scene 150. The image intensifier, enhances theambient light image of the first scene 150 and generates anelectromagnetic energy output 114 that may be color shifted (i.e.,visible in a different frequency band or spectrum) than the originalincident electromagnetic energy 152. For example, the image intensifier110 may output electromagnetic energy 114 across a predominantly greenportion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., between 510 nmand 570 nm). The electromagnetic energy 114 emitted by the imageintensifier 110 travels along the first optical axis 122 and fallsincident upon the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. Using atleast a portion of the incident electromagnetic energy 114, thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 generates a signal 144 thatincludes information and/or data representative of at least a portion ofthe first scene 150. The electromagnetic energy 124 exits thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 and enters the transparentdisplay subsystem 210.

The image analysis circuitry 142 generates an output signal 322 thatincludes information and/or data for display on the transparent displaysubsystem 210. Such information and/or data may include, but are notlimited to: one or more designators identifying objects appearing in thefirst scene 150; one or more sets of identification informationassociated with objects and/or persons appearing in the first scene 150;one or more environmental parameters associated with the first scene150; information and/or data associated with a building, structure, orsimilar object appearing in the first scene 150; or combinationsthereof. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 mayuse one or more object detection, recognition, and/or identificationmethods to analyze the information and/or data included in the signal144 received from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. In someimplementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may use one or morebiometric, facial, and/or human detection, recognition, and/oridentification methods to analyze the information and/or data includedin the signal 144 received from the transparent photodetector subsystem120.

In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may align theinformation and/or data included in the signal 212 provided to thetransparent display subsystem 210 with persons, objects, and/or elementsappearing in the image of the first scene 150. In some implementations,such alignment may be achieved by the image analysis circuitry 142 usingthe information and/or data included in the signal 144 received from thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120.

The visible electromagnetic energy 124 exiting the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 is combined with the visible output of thetransparent display subsystem 210 to provide a composite image 810 tothe eyepiece optics 160. In the composite image 810, the informationand/or data provided by the image analysis circuitry 142 to thetransparent display subsystem 210 via signal 212 is displayedcontemporaneously with the visible image provided by the imageintensifier 110 output. Advantageously, the image analysis circuitry 142updates the information in the signal 212 supplied to the transparentdisplay subsystem 210 on a near real-time or real-time basis, therebyenabling the near-real time or real-time updating of the informationprovided by the composite image 810. Such permits, for example, a targetdesignator for a moving object in the first scene 150 to “follow” themovement of the object, thereby allowing more accurate assessment by theuser of the enhanced vision system 900.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an illustrative enhanced vision system1000 that includes a first optical subsystem 110 in the form of an imageintensifier, a transparent photodetector subsystem 120, a transparentdisplay subsystem 210, and eyepiece optics 160 disposed along a commonoptical axis 122, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The image intensifier 110 includes an ambient lightamplification portion 1010 and a visible image inversion portion 1020.

In operation, the image intensifier is a vacuum tube device used toamplify ambient light collected from the first scene 150 to levelsobservable by the user of the enhanced vision system 1000. The ambientlight amplification portion 1010 includes an object lens that collectsand focuses collected ambient light on a photocathode. The photocathodeconverts the incident photons into photo-electrons. The photo-electronsare accelerated using an applied potential to create an electric field.The accelerated photo-electrons are multiplied using a micro-channelplate. The micro-channel plate contains a large number of holes. Whenthe photo-electrons enter the holes, additional electrons are emitted.The emitted electrons strike a phosphor screen to produce a visibleimage. The image produced by the phosphor screen is inverted. Theinversion portion 1020 re-inverts the image of the first scene 150 suchthat the scene is displayed properly upright.

In some implementations, the transparent photodetector subsystem 110 maybe formed directly on the image intensifier. For example, the surface ofthe image intensifier may provide the transparent substrate 512 (notvisible in FIG. 10 ) for the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 andsome or all of the photosensitive element array 510 (not visible in FIG.10 ) may be formed directly in, on, or about the image intensifier 110.

In some implementations, the transparent display subsystem 210 may beplaced, deposited, or otherwise formed proximate the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120. For example, the transparent substratecarrying at least a portion of the transparent display subsystem 210 maybe placed, formed, or otherwise deposited directly or indirectly (e.g.,through the use of intervening material layers) in, on, or about thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120.

FIG. 11 depicts the spectral content at various locations within anillustrative enhanced vision system 1100, in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. As depicted in FIG. 11 , the incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 distribution 1100 from the first scene 150may be represented as a frequency distribution between a first frequency(ƒ₁) 1112 and a second frequency (ƒ₂) 1114. Passage of the incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 through the first optical subsystem 110 mayattenuate the strength of the incident electromagnetic energy 152 andmay, in some implementations, shift the spectral distribution 1120 ofthe electromagnetic energy 114 output from the first optical subsystem110, for example between a third frequency 1122 (ƒ₃) and a fourthfrequency 1124 (ƒ₄). Passage of the electromagnetic energy 114 throughthe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may absorb all or a portionof the spectral distribution of the electromagnetic energy 114 output bythe first optical subsystem 110. For example, a portion of the spectrumbetween a fifth frequency 1132 (ƒ₅) and a sixth frequency 1134 (ƒ₆) maybe attenuated by passage through the transparent photodetector subsystem120.

The incident electromagnetic energy 152 may have a spectral distribution1110. The spectral distribution may range evenly or unevenly across aspectrum bounded by the first frequency 1112 and the second frequency1114. The first frequency 1112 may fall within the visible spectrum(e.g., may be at or above a wavelength of 390 nm) or may include some orall of the ultraviolet spectrum falling below the visible spectrum. Thesecond frequency 1114 may fall within the visible spectrum (e.g., may beat or below a frequency of 750 nm) or may include some or all of the NIRspectrum and some or all of the SWIR spectrum. The energy content of theelectromagnetic energy included in the spectral distribution 1110 mayrange between a first value 1116 (A₁) and a second value 1118 (A₂).

The electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the first optical subsystem 110may have a spectral distribution 1120. In some implementations (notdepicted in FIG. 11 ), the spectral distribution of the electromagneticenergy 114 exiting the first optical subsystem 110 may have the same ora similar frequency range as the incident electromagnetic energy 152received from the first scene 150. In some implementations, such asdepicted in FIG. 11 , the spectral distribution 1120 of theelectromagnetic energy 114 exiting the first optical subsystem 110 mayhave a smaller frequency range as the incident electromagnetic energy152 received from the first scene 150. For example, the spectraldistribution 1120 of the electromagnetic energy 114 exiting the firstoptical subsystem 110 may range evenly or unevenly across a spectrumbounded by the third frequency (ƒ₃) 1122 and the fourth frequency (ƒ₄)1124. The third frequency 1122 may fall within the visible spectrum(e.g., may be at or above a wavelength of 390 nm) or may include some orall of the ultraviolet spectrum falling below the visible spectrum. Thefourth frequency 1124 may fall within the visible spectrum (e.g., may beat or below a frequency of 750 nm) or may include some or all of the NIRspectrum and some or all of the SWIR spectrum. The energy content of theelectromagnetic energy included in the spectral distribution 1110 mayrange between a third value 1126 (A₃) and a fourth value 1128 (A₄). Thethird value 1126 and the fourth value 1128 may be lower or less than thefirst value 1116 (A₁) and the second value 1118 (A₂) due to attenuationthrough the first optical subsystem 110.

The electromagnetic energy 124 exiting the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 may have a spectral distribution 1130. In someimplementations, the spectral distribution 1130 of the electromagneticenergy 124 exiting the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may havea frequency range similar to the incident electromagnetic energy 114received from the first optical subsystem 110. For example, the spectraldistribution 1130 of the electromagnetic energy 124 exiting thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 may range evenly or unevenlyacross a spectrum bounded by the third frequency (ƒ₃) 1122 and thefourth frequency (ƒ₄) 1124. However, the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 generates the signal 144 containing information and/ordata regarding the first scene 150 by absorbing a portion of theelectromagnetic energy across a third frequency band. For example, thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 may generate the signal 144containing information and/or data regarding the first scene 150, basedat least in part, by evenly or unevenly absorbing a portion of theelectromagnetic energy from all or a portion of a third frequency bandabove a fifth frequency (ƒ₅) 1132 and below a sixth frequency (ƒ₆) 1134.

The fifth frequency (ƒ₅) 1132 may fall within the visible spectrum(e.g., may be at or above a wavelength of 390 nm) or may include some orall of the ultraviolet spectrum falling below the visible spectrum. Thesixth frequency (ƒ₆) 1134 may fall within the visible spectrum (e.g.,may be at or below a frequency of 750 nm) or may include some or all ofthe NIR spectrum and some or all of the SWIR spectrum. The energycontent of the electromagnetic energy of the frequencies falling withinthe third frequency band may be less than the energy content of theelectromagnetic energy 114 incident upon the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120. For example, the energy content of the third frequencyband may range between a seventh value (A₇) 1136 and an eighth value(A₈) 1138.

FIG. 12 is a plot 1200 depicting an illustrative spectral output of anexample first optical subsystem 110 equipped with an image intensifier,in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Plot 1200shows a normalized frequency distribution for the electromagnetic energyoutput 114 of an illustrative first optical subsystem 110 using an imageintensifier. As seen in plot 1200, the electromagnetic energy output 114from the illustrative first optical subsystem 110 includes peaks atabout 490 nm, about 550 nm, about 580 nm, and about 625 nm. In someimplementations, a first portion 1210 of the electromagnetic energy maybe at least partially absorbed and attenuated by the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 to generate the signal 144 that includesinformation and/or data associated with the first scene 150. Thus, asdepicted in FIG. 12 , the electromagnetic energy output 114 betweenabout 400 nm and 500 nm may be collected by the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 for use by the image analysis circuitry 142while the remaining portion 1220 of the electromagnetic energy output114 between 500 nm and 700 nm passes through the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 and provides the system user a visible imageof the first scene 150.

FIG. 13 is a plot 1300 depicting an illustrative spectral output ofanother example first optical subsystem 110 equipped with an imageintensifier, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. Plot 1300 shows a normalized frequency distribution for theelectromagnetic energy output 114 of an illustrative first opticalsubsystem 110 using an image intensifier. As seen in plot 1300, theelectromagnetic energy output 114 from the illustrative first opticalsubsystem 110 includes peaks at about 410 nm, about 440 nm, about 475nm, about 490 nm, about 550 nm, about 580 nm, and about 625 nm. In someimplementations, a first portion 1310 of the electromagnetic energy maybe at least partially absorbed and attenuated by the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 to generate the signal 144 that includesinformation and/or data associated with the first scene 150. Thus, asdepicted in FIG. 13 , the first portion 1310 of the electromagneticenergy output 114 between about 400 nm and 520 nm may be collected bythe transparent photodetector subsystem 120 for use by the imageanalysis circuitry 142 while the remaining portion 1320 of theelectromagnetic energy output 114 between 500 nm and 700 nm passesthrough the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 and provides thesystem user a visible image of the first scene 150.

FIG. 14 is a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method 1400, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. A first optic subsystem 110 disposed along a first optical axis112 collects incident electromagnetic energy 152 from a first scene 150within the field-of-view of the first optic subsystem 110. Inimplementations, the incident electromagnetic energy 152 may fall withinat least a portion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. The firstoptic subsystem 110 provides an electromagnetic energy output 114 thattravels parallel to the first optical axis 112. The electromagneticenergy output 114 includes energy within at least a portion of thevisible electromagnetic spectrum. In some implementations, theelectromagnetic energy output 114 may include electromagnetic energythat falls within the ultraviolet electromagnetic spectrum, the NIRelectromagnetic spectrum, or the SWIR electromagnetic spectrum. Theelectromagnetic energy output 114 falls incident upon a transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 that is disposed along a second opticalaxis. A portion of the electromagnetic energy output 114 may impingeupon a first photosensitive element array 510 disposed on a transparentsubstrate 512 and a portion of the electromagnetic energy output 114 maypass through the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. Theelectromagnetic energy output 124 from the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 includes a visible image of the first scene 150 in atleast a portion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. The method 1400commences at 1402.

At 1404, the first optic subsystem 110 receives incident electromagneticenergy 152 from a first scene 150. In some implementations, the firstoptic subsystem 110 may include a passive system that receives onlyambient incident electromagnetic energy 152 from the first scene 152. Insome implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include anactive system that uses a number of illuminators to illuminate the firstscene and the incident electromagnetic energy 152 may include at least aportion of the electromagnetic energy used to illuminate the first scene150. In some implementations, the incident electromagnetic energy 152includes electromagnetic energy in the visible spectrum and may includeincident electromagnetic energy in the UV electromagnetic spectrum, theNIR electromagnetic spectrum, and/or the SWIR electromagnetic spectrum.

In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include apassive device, such as a simple lens; combinations of simple lenses, acompound lens, or combinations of compound lenses. In someimplementations, the first optic subsystem 110 may include at least oneactive device, such as an image intensifier or similar low ambient lightenhanced vision device.

At 1406, the first optic subsystem 110 provides an electromagneticenergy output 114 in at least a portion of the visible magneticspectrum. In some implementations, the first optic subsystem 110 mayprovide an electromagnetic energy output 114 in at least a portion ofthe UV electromagnetic spectrum; at least a portion of the NIRelectromagnetic spectrum, and/or at least a portion of the SWIRelectromagnetic spectrum.

In some implementations, the electromagnetic energy output 114 providedby the first optic subsystem 110 may contain only a portion of theoriginal electromagnetic spectrum received by the first optic subsystem110. For example, the first optic subsystem 110 may receive incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 across the entire visible electromagneticspectrum and may provide an electromagnetic energy output 114 in only aportion of the visible electromagnetic spectrum. In another example, thefirst optic subsystem 110 may receive incident electromagnetic energy152 across all or a portion of the SWIR electromagnetic spectrum and mayprovide an electromagnetic energy output 114 that includes the SWIRelectromagnetic spectrum rendered within at least a portion of thevisible electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., a thermal imaging device). Inyet another example, the first optic subsystem 110 may receive incidentelectromagnetic energy 152 in at least a portion of the UV spectrum andmay provide an electromagnetic energy output 114 that includes the UVelectromagnetic spectrum rendered within at least a portion of thevisible electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic energy output 114from the first optic subsystem 110 includes at least an image of thefirst scene 150 in at least a portion of the visible electromagneticspectrum.

At 1408, the electromagnetic energy output 114 from the first opticsubsystem 110 impinges or otherwise illuminates a transparentphotodetector subsystem 120 that includes at least a firstphotosensitive element array 510 disposed on a transparent substrate512. In some implementations, the transparent photodetector subsystem120 may be disposed at a location within the enhanced vision system thatis spaced from the first optic subsystem 110. In some implementations,the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may be disposed proximatethe first optic subsystem 110. In some implementations, at least aportion of the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may be formed,disposed, or otherwise deposited on, in, about, or across at least aportion of an exterior surface of the first optic subsystem 110.

The first photosensitive element array 510 may cover all or a portion ofthe transparent conductor 512. For example, in some implementations, thefirst photosensitive element array 510 may be disposed evenly orunevenly in, on, about, or across at least a portion of the transparentsubstrate 510. In other examples, all or a portion of the firstphotosensitive element array 510 may be disposed in, on, about, oracross all or a portion of the transparent substrate 512 as an evenly orunevenly spaced array of individual photosensitive elements.

At 1410, the first photosensitive element array 510 converts at least aportion of the electromagnetic energy output 114 received from the firstoptic subsystem 110 to an output signal 144 that includes informationand/or data representative of at least a portion of the first scene 150.Such information and/or data may include data representative of personsor objects appearing in or moving through the first scene 150. In someimplementations, the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 mayattenuate or otherwise reduce the amplitude and/or strength of at leasta portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to obtain the output signal144. In some implementations, the first photosensitive element array 510may absorb only a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum of theelectromagnetic energy output 114 while transmitting the remainingportion of the electromagnetic spectrum of the electromagnetic energyoutput 114.

In some implementations, the first photosensitive element array 510provides an output signal that includes information and/or data that isproportional or otherwise correlative to the strength of theelectromagnetic energy incident upon each individual element forming thefirst photosensitive element array 510. Since the visible image of thefirst scene 150 passes through the enhanced vision system, theavailability of electronic information regarding objects and/or personsappearing in the first scene 150 facilitates an external analysis of theimage data. Such is advantageous, for example, in providing informationregarding identified individuals in the first scene 150 and/or objectsappearing in the first scene 150. Object, structure, item, or personnelrecognition information may be communicated by the image analysiscircuitry 142 to the system user via any human perceptible means,including, without limitation, audio, visual, and/or tactile. Forexample, the image analysis circuitry 142 may identify an objectclassified as a threat in a particular portion of the first scene 150.In response to detecting the threat, the image analysis circuitry 142may generate an audio output that identifies the threat, the nature ofthe threat, and/or the location of the threat within the first scene150.

At 1412, the output electromagnetic energy 114 passes through thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 and exits towards the eyepieceoptics where the system user is able to see the portion of the outputelectromagnetic energy 124 falling within the visible electromagneticspectrum. The method 1400 concludes at 1414.

FIG. 15 is a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method 1500, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. In embodiments, the enhanced vision system may include atransparent display subsystem 210 and the image analysis circuitry 142may generate one or more display outputs that, in operation, arecommunicated to the transparent display subsystem 210 for displaycontemporaneous with the visible image of the first scene 150 providedby the output electromagnetic energy 214 from the transparent displaysubsystem 210. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142may align or otherwise coordinate in a known and/or defined pattern theinformation and/or data included in the first output signal 212 with thelogically associated object(s) and/or person(s) appearing in the firstimage 150. In embodiments, the image analysis circuitry 142 may executemachine-readable instruction sets that cause the image analysiscircuitry 142 to perform various shape and/or object recognition and/oridentification for at least a portion of the objects appearing in thefirst scene 150. In some embodiments, the image analysis circuitry 142may execute machine-readable instruction sets that cause the imageanalysis circuitry 142 to perform various biometric and/or facialrecognition methods for at least a portion of the persons appearing inthe first scene 150. The image analysis circuitry 142 may provide theinformation associated with a particular object and/or person to thesystem user by displaying the information on the transparent displaysubsystem 210 contemporaneous with the image containing the respectiveobject and/or person. The method 1500 commences at 1502.

At 1504, the image analysis circuitry 142 receives the first outputsignal 144 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. The firstoutput signal 144 may include information and/or data associated withsome or all of the objects appearing in the first scene 150 and/orinformation and/or data associated with some or all of the personsappearing in the first scene 150. Such information and/or data may berepresentative of the image of the object or person in a visible portionof the electromagnetic spectrum, a UV portion of the electromagneticspectrum, a NIR portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, a SWIR portionof the electromagnetic spectrum, or combinations thereof.

The transparent photodetector subsystem 120 may provide the first outputsignal 144 to the image analysis circuitry 142 on a continuous basis(e.g., real-time or near real-time basis), an intermittent basis, aperiodic basis, or an aperiodic basis. The ability to communicate imagedata from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 to the imageanalysis circuitry 142 on a real-time or near real-time basisbeneficially permits the display of identification information or datacontemporaneous with the display of the visible image of the first scenethat passes through the transparent display subsystem 210.

At 1506, the image analysis circuitry 142 determines at least oneparameter associated with a structure, object, and/or person appearingin the first scene 150. The at least one parameter may be a simpleparameter such as one or more parameters that identify a shape of theobject appearing in the first image (SQUARE, SPHERE, CUBE, etc.). The atleast one parameter may be a more complex parameter such as one or morebiometric parameters (facial recognition, gait, fingerprint, retinalscan, voice recognition, etc.) that uniquely identify a person of theobject appearing in the first image. In embodiments, the image analysiscircuitry 142 may use an on-board or local data structure to obtaininformation regarding the recognized object(s) and/or person(s)appearing in the first image 150. In embodiments, the image analysiscircuitry 142 may use one or more network connections to access one ormore remote resources that store or otherwise retain data structures toobtain information regarding the recognized object(s) and/or person(s)appearing in the first image 150.

The image analysis circuitry 142 may perform any currently available orfuture developed structure or object recognition method on all or aportion of the objects appearing in the first scene 150. In embodiments,the image analysis circuitry 142 may autonomously perform structure,object, or biometric recognition methods on some or all of thestructures, objects, or persons appearing in the first scene 150. Inembodiments, the image analysis circuitry 142 may selectively performstructure, object, or biometric recognition methods on some or all ofthe structures, objects, or persons appearing in the first scene 150.Such selective performance of structure, object, or biometricrecognition methods may, in some instances, be performed at the requestof the system user. The structure, object, or biometric recognitionmethods performed by the image analysis circuitry 142 generateinformation and/or data that may be logically associated with particularstructures, objects, and/or persons appearing in the first scene 150.

In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 may performadditional functions, for example, prioritizing the structures, objects,and/or persons appearing in the first scene 150. Such prioritizationmay, for example, include prioritizing objects as potential targetsbased on a quantified threat analysis score determined by the imageanalysis circuitry 142. Such prioritization may, for example, includeprioritizing individuals in the first scene 150 based on their politicalor military rank or value to the enhanced vision system user.

At 1508, the image analysis circuitry 142 generates a first outputsignal 212 that includes the information and/or data logicallyassociated with the structures, objects, and/or persons included in thefirst scene 150. In some implementations, the first output signal 212may include one or more signals having a format displayable on thetransparent display subsystem 210. The method 1500 concludes at 1510.

FIG. 16 is a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative enhancedvision method 1600, in accordance with at least one embodiment describedherein. In embodiments, the enhanced vision system may be communicablycoupled to line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 that is operably coupledto an external device 330. In some implementations, the external device330 may include one or more devices that collect or otherwise acquireinformation and/or data from a second scene 340. In embodiments, thesecond scene 340 may be different from the first scene 150. Inembodiments, the second scene 340 may include all or a portion of thefirst scene 150. For example, the external device 330 may be operablycoupled to a piece of equipment carried by the user of the enhancedvision system. Combining the information and/or data associated with thefirst scene 150 and the second scene 340 beneficially permits the systemuser to “see” the second scene 340 as “seen” by the external device. Inone example implementation, the external device 330 may include atargeting scope operably coupled to a weapon system and the enhancedvision system may be used to identify potential threats in the firstscene 150. In such an implementation, the enhanced vision system may beused by the system operator to see a target designator provided orotherwise generated by the external device 330. The method 1600commences at 1602.

At 1604, the image analysis circuitry 142 receives an output signal 322provided by the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 communicably coupledto an external device 330. In some implementations, the external device330 may be operably coupled to handheld equipment. In someimplementations, the output signal 322 may include information and/ordata representative of the second scene 340. In some implementations,the output signal 322 may include information and/or data indicative ofa line-of-sight of handheld equipment or a handheld device or aline-of-fire of a handheld weapon. In some implementations, the externaldevice 330 may include one or more active emitters (e.g., laser sights)using one or more frequencies visible using the enhanced vision system(e.g., visible to the first optical subsystem 110 and/or the transparentphotodetector subsystem 120), but otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 receives theoutput signal 322 continuously. In some implementations, the imageanalysis circuitry 142 selectively receives the output signal 322 at thediscretion of the enhanced vision system user. In some implementations,the image analysis circuitry 142 receives the output signal 322periodically or aperiodically. In some implementations, the imageanalysis circuitry 142 receives the output signal 322 via one or morewired networks, such as one or more wired personal area networks (PANs).In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 receives theoutput signal 322 via one or more wireless networks (e.g., BLUETOOTH®,NFC, ZigBee®, INSTEON®, Z-Wave®, Wireless USB, IrDA, Body Area Network).

At 1606, the image analysis circuitry 142 combines at least a portion ofthe information and/or data received from the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320 with at least a portion of the information and/or datareceived from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120. In someimplementations, the image analysis circuitry 142 aligns or otherwisecorrelates the information and/or data received from the line-of-sightimaging circuitry 320 with the information and/or data received from thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120. Such may, for example, permitthe image analysis circuitry 142 to identify structures, objects, orindividuals in the first scene 150 using information and/or datasupplied via signal 144 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120with line-of-sight information and/or data in the second scene 340 tothe extent the first scene 150 and second scene 340 overlap or share acommon field-of-view. Beneficially, such a configuration facilitates thereal-time or near-real time acquisition of bothstructure/object/individual data from the transparent photodetectorsubsystem 120 along with line-of-sight/targeting information from theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320. Thus, in real-time the system useris able to benefit from the improved vision provided by the enhancedvision system and improves target acquisition accuracy from the improvedline-of-sight information provided by the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320.

At 1608, the image analysis circuitry 142 generates a display outputsignal that includes information communicated to the image analysiscircuitry 142 from the transparent photodetector subsystem 120 withinformation communicated to the image analysis circuitry 142 from theline-of-sight imaging circuitry 320. In some implementations, the imageanalysis circuitry 142 beneficially aligns or otherwise correlates theinformation and/or data included in the signal 144 received from thetransparent photodetector subsystem 120 with information and/or dataincluded in the signal 322 received from the line-of-sight imagingcircuitry 320. In some implementations, the image analysis circuitry 142aligns or otherwise coordinates the display output signal 212 with thevisible image transmitted through the transparent display subsystem 210such that the information from the transparent photodetector subsystem120 and from the line-of-sight imaging circuitry 320 align withstructures, objects, and/or individuals visible in the first scene 150.The method 1600 concludes at 1610.

While FIGS. 1 through 14 are included to illustrate operations accordingto different embodiments, it is to be understood that not all of theoperations depicted in FIGS. 1 through 14 are necessary for otherembodiments. Indeed, it is fully contemplated herein that in otherembodiments of the present disclosure, the operations depicted in FIGS.1 through 14 , and/or other operations described herein, may be combinedin a manner not specifically shown in any of the drawings, but stillfully consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, claims directed tofeatures and/or operations that are not exactly shown in one drawing aredeemed within the scope and content of the present disclosure.

As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined bythe term “and/or” can mean any combination of the listed items. Forexample, the phrase “A, B and/or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C;B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and in the claims, alist of items joined by the term “at least one of” can mean anycombination of the listed terms. For example, the phrases “at least oneof A, B or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B andC.

Additionally, operations for the embodiments have been further describedwith reference to the above figures and accompanying examples. Some ofthe figures may include a logic flow. Although such figures presentedherein may include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated thatthe logic flow merely provides an example of how the generalfunctionality described herein can be implemented. Further, the givenlogic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the orderpresented unless otherwise indicated. In addition, the given logic flowmay be implemented by a hardware element, a software element executed bya processor, or any combination thereof. The embodiments are not limitedto this context.

Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein.The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combinationwith one another as well as to variation and modification, as will beunderstood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosureshould, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations,variations, and modifications. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent invention should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with thefollowing claims and their equivalents.

Any of the operations described herein may be implemented in a systemthat includes one or more storage mediums having stored thereon,individually or in combination, instructions that when executed by oneor more processors perform the methods. Here, the processor may include,for example, a server CPU, a mobile device CPU, and/or otherprogrammable circuitry. Also, it is intended that operations describedherein may be distributed across a plurality of physical devices, suchas processing structures at more than one different physical location.The storage medium may include any type of tangible medium, for example,any type of disk including hard disks, floppy disks, optical disks,compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), compact disk rewritables(CD-RWs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor devices such asread-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamicand static RAMs, erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs),electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flashmemories, Solid State Disks (SSDs), magnetic or optical cards, or anytype of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Otherembodiments may be implemented as software modules executed by aprogrammable control device. The storage medium may be non-transitory.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention,in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalentsof the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it isrecognized that various modifications are possible within the scope ofthe claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all suchequivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have beendescribed herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptibleto combination with one another as well as to variation andmodification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art.The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompasssuch combinations, variations, and modifications.

As described herein, various embodiments may be implemented usinghardware elements, software elements, or any combination thereof.Examples of hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors,circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors,inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digitalsignal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logicgates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets,and so forth.

As used in any embodiment herein, the terms “module” and/or “subsystem”may refer to hardware, software, firmware and/or circuitry configured toperform any of the aforementioned operations. Software may be embodiedas a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets and/or datarecorded on non-transitory computer readable storage mediums. Firmwaremay be embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and/or datathat are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices. “Circuitry”,as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, for example, singly orin any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry such ascomputer processors comprising one or more individual instructionprocessing cores, state machine circuitry, and/or firmware that storesinstructions executed by programmable circuitry. The modules may,collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms partof a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), systemon-chip (SoC), desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers,servers, smartphones, etc.

According to example 1, there is provided an enhanced vision system. Theenhanced vision system may include: a first optic subsystem thattransmits a first scene within a field-of-view of the first opticsubsystem in at least a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum;and a transparent photodetector subsystem that includes a firstphotosensitive element array disposed across at least a portion of afirst surface of a transparent substrate, wherein the transparentphotodetector subsystem is positioned with respect to the first opticsubsystem such that the first photosensitive element array receives afirst portion of the first scene; and wherein the transparentphotodetector subsystem transmits at least a portion of the visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes at least the firstportion of the first scene.

Example 2 may include elements of example 1, and may additionallyinclude a configurable circuit communicably coupled to the transparentphotodetector; and a storage device communicably coupled to theconfigurable circuit and containing machine-readable instructions that,when executed by the configurable circuit, transform the configurablecircuit into image analysis circuitry, the image analysis circuitry to:receive a first signal that includes data representative of the firstportion of the first scene from the first photosensitive element array;determine at least one parameter associated with at least one objectappearing within the first scene; and generate one or more outputsignals that include data representative of the at least one parameterassociated with the at least one object.

Example 3 may include elements of example 2, and may additionallyinclude at least one spectral redirector, wherein the first opticsubsystem is aligned along a first optical axis; wherein the transparentphotodetector subsystem is aligned along a second optical axis; andwherein the spectral redirector transitions at least a portion of theelectromagnetic energy emitted by the first optic subsystem in a firstpath parallel to the first optical axis to a second path parallel to thesecond optical axis.

Example 4 may include elements of example 3, and may additionallyinclude eyepiece optics aligned along the second optical axis to outputa reduced size image of the first scene along the second optical axis.

Example 5 may include elements of example 3 where the spectralredirector comprises a plurality of mirrored surfaces.

Example 6 may include elements of example 3 where the spectralredirector comprises at least one prismatic member.

Example 7 may include elements of example 2 where the first opticsubsystem and the transparent photodetector subsystem are positionedalong a common optical axis.

Example 8 may include elements of example 1 where the first opticsubsystem transforms the spectral distribution of the first scene from afirst spectral distribution incident upon the first optic subsystem to asecond spectral distribution exiting the first optic subsystem, thesecond spectral distribution in at least the visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum.

Example 9 may include elements of example 8 where the first opticsubsystem comprises an image intensifier.

Example 10 may include elements of example 9 where the transparentphotodetector subsystem is deposited across at least a portion of anexterior surface of the image intensifier.

Example 11 may include elements of example 2 where the transparentphotodetector subsystem further comprises a second photosensitiveelement array, the second photosensitive element array positioned tocapture a second scene entering the transparent photodetector subsystemfrom a direction opposite the first scene.

Example 12 may include elements of example 11 where the secondphotosensitive element array is disposed proximate at least one of: atleast a portion of a second surface transversely opposed to the firstsurface of the transparent substrate; or at least a portion of a firstsurface of a second transparent substrate.

Example 13 may include elements of example 12 where the machine-readableinstructions further cause the image analysis circuitry to: receive asecond signal from the second photosensitive array that includesinformation indicative of a user eye parameter; and select at least onecommand for execution based at least in part on the received informationindicative of the user eye parameter.

Example 14 may include elements of example 13 where the machine-readableinstructions that cause the image analysis circuitry to receive a secondsignal that includes information indicative of a user eye parameterfurther cause the image analysis circuitry to: receive a second signalthat includes information indicative of at least one of: a user's pupillocation or a user's blink count.

Example 15 may include elements of any of examples 2 through 10 and mayadditionally include a transparent display subsystem communicablycoupled to the image analysis circuitry, the transparent displaysubsystem to: receive the one or more output signals from the imageanalysis circuitry; generate a display output; and display, as thedisplay output, at least a portion of the data representative of the atleast one parameter associated with the at least one object such thatthe displayed data and the visible portion of the electromagneticspectrum that includes at least the first portion of the first scene arealigned and contemporaneously viewable by a system user.

Example 16 may include elements of example 15 where the transparentdisplay subsystem may include an image projector communicably coupled tothe image analysis circuitry, the image projector to generate thedisplay output; and a transparent prismatic member disposed such that:the image of the first scene visible along the second optical axis istransmitted through the transparent prismatic member; and the emitteddisplay output internally reflects from a surface of the prismaticmember and exits the prismatic member along the second optical axis.

Example 17 may include elements of example 15 where the transparentdisplay subsystem may include an emissive transparent display devicecommunicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry, the emissivetransparent display to emit the display output and disposed such thatthe image of the first scene visible along the second optical axis istransmitted through at least a portion of the emissive transparentdisplay device.

Example 18 may include elements of example 15, and may additionallyinclude line-of-sight imaging circuitry communicably coupled via acommunications interface to the image analysis circuitry; and anexternal device communicably coupled to the line-of-sight controlcircuitry, the external device to provide an output signal that includesdata representative of at least a portion of a field-of-view of theexternal device.

Example 19 may include elements of example 18 where the communicationsinterface comprises a wireless communications interface thatcommunicably couples the line-of-sight control circuitry to the imageanalysis circuitry.

Example 20 may include elements of example 18 where the machine-readableinstructions may further cause the image analysis circuitry to: receivethe external device output signal from the line-of-sight controlcircuitry; align the data representative of the portion of thefield-of-view of the operably coupled external device provided by theline-of-sight control circuitry with the image data from the firstphotosensitive element array; and generate a display output thatincludes the aligned data representative of the portion of thefield-of-view of the operably coupled external device provided by theline-of-sight control circuitry with the image data from the firstphotosensitive element array.

According to example 21, there is provided an enhanced vision method.The method may include receiving, by a first optic subsystem, incidentelectromagnetic energy that includes at least a visible image of a firstscene in a field-of-view of the first optic subsystem; outputting, bythe first optic subsystem, electromagnetic energy in at least a visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagneticenergy output including at least a portion of the first scene;receiving, by a first photosensitive element array disposed in atransparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene; generating, by the firstphotosensitive element array, a first signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of the first scene; and transmitting,by the transparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene.

Example 22 may include elements of example 21 and may additionallyinclude receiving, at image analysis circuitry, the first signalgenerated by the first photosensitive element array;

determining, by the image analysis circuitry, at least one parameterassociated with an object appearing in the first scene; and generating,by the image analysis circuitry, a first output signal that includesdata representative of the at least one parameter associated with theobject appearing in the first scene.

Example 23 may include elements of example 21 and may additionallyinclude displaying, via eyepiece optics, a reduced size visible imagethat includes the portion of the first scene.

Example 24 may include elements of example 21 and may additionallyinclude aligning the first optic subsystem with a first optical axis,wherein outputting electromagnetic energy in at least a visible portionof the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagnetic energyoutput including at least a portion of the first scene includes:outputting, by the first optic subsystem, the visible electromagneticenergy output that includes the first scene along a path parallel to thefirst optical axis; redirecting, via a spectral redirector, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene from thepath parallel to the first optical axis to a path parallel to a secondoptical axis; and aligning the center of the transparent photodetectorsubsystem with the second optical axis, wherein transmitting at leastthe visible electromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem thatincludes at least a portion of the first scene includes: transmitting atleast the visible electromagnetic output from the first optic subsystemthat includes at least a portion of the first scene along the pathparallel to the second optical axis.

Example 25 may include elements of example 24 where redirecting thevisible electromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene fromthe path parallel to the first optical axis to a path parallel to asecond optical axis may further include: redirecting, via a spectralredirector that includes a plurality of mirrored surfaces, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene from thepath parallel to the first optical axis to the path parallel to thesecond optical axis.

Example 26 may include elements of example 24 where redirecting thevisible electromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene fromthe path parallel to the first optical axis to a path parallel to asecond optical axis may further include redirecting, via a spectralredirector that includes at least one prismatic member, the firstelectromagnetic spectrum from traveling along the path parallel to firstoptical axis to the path parallel to the second optical axis.

Example 27 may include elements of example 21, and may additionallyinclude aligning the first optic subsystem with a first optical axis,wherein outputting electromagnetic energy in at least a visible portionof the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagnetic energyoutput including at least a portion of the first scene includes:outputting, by the first optic subsystem, the visible electromagneticenergy output that includes the first scene along a path parallel to thefirst optical axis; aligning the center of the transparent photodetectorsubsystem with the second optical axis, wherein transmitting at leastthe visible electromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem thatincludes at least a portion of the first scene includes: transmitting atleast the visible electromagnetic output from the first optic subsystemthat includes at least a portion of the first scene along the pathparallel to the first optical axis.

Example 28 may include elements of example 21 where outputtingelectromagnetic energy in at least a visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagnetic energy outputincluding at least a portion of the first scene may further include:outputting, by an image intensifier, electromagnetic energy in a visiblesecond electromagnetic spectrum that includes at least the portion ofthe first scene.

Example 29 may include elements of example 28 where receiving, by afirst photosensitive element array, at least the visible electromagneticoutput from the first optic subsystem that includes at least a portionof the first scene may further include receiving, by the firstphotosensitive element array, at least a portion of the visible secondelectromagnetic output that includes at least the portion of the firstscene from the image intensifier.

Example 30 may include elements of example 21, and may additionallyinclude receiving, via a second photosensitive element array disposed ona second surface of the transparent substrate transversely opposed tothe first surface of the transparent substrate, at least a first portionof an electromagnetic spectrum that includes at least a portion of asecond scene incident upon the second photosensitive array from a seconddirection that is opposite the first scene.

Example 31 may include elements of example 30, and may additionallyinclude

generating, by the second photosensitive element array, a second outputsignal that includes data representative of a second scene that includesat least a portion of the system user; receiving, by the image analysiscircuitry, the second output signal; determining, by the image analysiscircuity, at least one biometric parameter associated with the systemuser and included in the second output signal generated by the secondphotosensitive element array; and selecting, by the image analysiscircuitry, at least one command for execution based at least in part onthe determined at least one biometric parameter.

Example 32 may include elements of example 30 where generating, by thesecond photosensitive element array, a second output signal thatincludes data representative of a second scene that includes at least aportion of the system user further comprises: generating, by the secondphotosensitive element array, the second output signal that includesdata representative of a second scene that includes at least an eye ofthe system user; wherein determining at least one biometric parameterassociated with the system user and included in the second output signalgenerated by the second photosensitive element array further comprises:determining, by the image analysis circuity, at least one of: a blinkrate of the eye included in the second output signal, a pupil locationof the eye included in the second output signal, or a pupil movementdirection of the eye included in the second output signal.

Example 33 may include elements of any of example 22 through 29, and mayadditionally include receiving, by a transparent display subsystemcommunicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry, the first outputsignal generated by the image analysis circuitry; and

generating, via the transparent display subsystem, a display output thatincludes at least a portion of the data included in the first outputsignal; displaying at least a portion of the data representative of theat least one parameter associated with the at least one object such thatthe displayed data and the visible portion of the electromagneticspectrum that includes at least the first portion of the first scene arealigned and contemporaneously viewable by a system user.

Example 34 may include elements of example 33 where receiving, by atransparent display subsystem communicably coupled to the image analysiscircuitry, the first output signal generated by the image analysiscircuitry further comprises: receiving, by an image projectorcommunicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry, the first outputsignal generated by the image analysis circuitry; projecting, by theimage projector, the display output through at least one transparentprismatic member disposed such that: the image of the first scenevisible along the second optical axis is transmitted through thetransparent prismatic member; and the emitted display output internallyreflects from a surface of the prismatic member and exits the prismaticmember along the second optical axis.

Example 35 may include elements of example 33 where receiving, by atransparent display subsystem communicably coupled to the image analysiscircuitry, the first output signal generated by the image analysiscircuitry further comprises: an image projector communicably coupled tothe image analysis circuitry, the image projector to generate thedisplay output; and

a plurality of reflective members disposed such that: the emitteddisplay output reflects from at least some of the plurality ofreflective members and is emitted along the second optical axis.

Example 36 may include elements of example 33 where receiving, by atransparent display subsystem communicably coupled to the image analysiscircuitry, the first output signal generated by the image analysiscircuitry comprises: receiving, by an emissive transparent displaydevice communicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry and disposedalong the second optical axis, the first output signal generated by theimage analysis circuitry; and

displaying the display output contemporaneous with the visibleelectromagnetic output that includes at least a portion of the firstscene transmitted by the transparent photodetector subsystem.

Example 37 may include elements of any of examples 22 through 29, andmay additionally include receiving, at the image analysis circuitry, anoutput signal that includes data associated with a second scene fromline-of-sight imaging circuitry communicably coupled to the imageanalysis circuitry and operably coupled to at least one external device;combining, by the image analysis circuitry, at least some of the dataassociated with the first scene included in the first signal with atleast some of the data associated with the second scene included in theoutput signal from the line-of-sight imaging circuitry; and causing adisplay on the transparent display subsystem that includes the dataassociated with the first scene with the data associated with the secondscene, wherein the combined data is displayed contemporaneously with theimage of the first scene transmitted through the transparent displaysubsystem.

According to example 38, there is provided an enhanced vision system,The system may include: a means for receiving incident electromagneticenergy that includes at least a visible image of a first scene in afield-of-view of the first optic subsystem; a means for outputtingelectromagnetic energy in at least a visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagnetic energy outputincluding at least a portion of the first scene; a means for receivingat least the visible electromagnetic output from the first opticsubsystem that includes at least a portion of the first scene; a meansfor generating a first signal that includes information indicative of atleast a portion of the first scene; and a means for transmitting atleast the visible electromagnetic output from the first optic subsystemthat includes at least a portion of the first scene.

Example 39 may include elements of example 38, and may additionallyinclude a means for receiving, the first signal generated by the firstphotosensitive element array; a means for determining at least oneparameter associated with an object appearing in the first scene; and

a means for generating, a first output signal that includes datarepresentative of the at least one parameter associated with the objectappearing in the first scene.

Example 40 may include elements of example 39, and may additionallyinclude a means for displaying a reduced size visible image thatincludes the portion of the first scene.

Example 41 may include elements of example 38, and may additionallyinclude a means for aligning the first optic subsystem with a firstoptical axis, wherein the means for outputting electromagnetic energy inat least a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output including at least a portion of the firstscene further includes: a means for outputting the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene along a pathparallel to the first optical axis; a means for redirecting the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene from thepath parallel to the first optical axis to a path parallel to a secondoptical axis; and a means for aligning the center of the transparentphotodetector subsystem with the second optical axis, wherein the meansfor transmitting at least the visible electromagnetic output from thefirst optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of the firstscene includes: a means for transmitting at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene along the path parallel to the secondoptical axis.

Example 42 may include elements of example 38, and may additionallyinclude a means for aligning the first optic subsystem with a firstoptical axis, wherein the means for outputting electromagnetic energy inat least a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output including at least a portion of the firstscene includes: a means for outputting the visible electromagneticenergy output that includes the first scene along a path parallel to thefirst optical axis; a means for aligning the center of the transparentphotodetector subsystem with the second optical axis, wherein the meansfor transmitting at least the visible electromagnetic output from thefirst optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of the firstscene further includes: a means for transmitting at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene along the path parallel to the firstoptical axis.

Example 43 may include elements of example 38 where the means foroutputting electromagnetic energy in at least a visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagnetic energy outputincluding at least a portion of the first scene further comprises: animage intensification means for outputting electromagnetic energy in avisible second electromagnetic spectrum that includes at least theportion of the first scene.

Example 44 may include elements of example 43 where the means forreceiving at least the visible electromagnetic output from the firstoptic subsystem that includes at least a portion of the first scene mayfurther include a means for receiving at least a portion of the visiblesecond electromagnetic output that includes at least the portion of thefirst scene from the image intensification means.

Example 45 may include elements of example 38, and may additionallyinclude a means for receiving at least a first portion of anelectromagnetic spectrum that includes at least a portion of a secondscene incident upon the second photosensitive array from a seconddirection that is opposite the first scene.

Example 46 may include elements of example 45, and may additionallyinclude a means for generating a second output signal that includes datarepresentative of a second scene that includes at least a portion of thesystem user; a means for determining at least one biometric parameterassociated with the system user and included in the second outputsignal; and a means for selecting at least one command for executionbased at least in part on the determined at least one biometricparameter.

Example 47 may include elements of example 45 where the means forgenerating a second output signal that includes data representative of asecond scene that includes at least a portion of the system user furthercomprises: a means for generating the second output signal that includesdata representative of a second scene that includes at least an eye ofthe system user; wherein the means for determining at least onebiometric parameter associated with the system user and included in thesecond output signal generated by the second photosensitive elementarray further comprises: a means for determining at least one of: ablink rate of the eye included in the second output signal, a pupillocation of the eye included in the second output signal, or a pupilmovement direction of the eye included in the second output signal.

Example 48 may include elements of any of examples 39 through 44, andmay additionally include a means for generating a display output thatincludes at least a portion of the data included in the first outputsignal; and a transparent display means for displaying at least aportion of the data representative of the at least one parameterassociated with the at least one object such that the displayed data andthe visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes atleast the first portion of the first scene are aligned andcontemporaneously viewable by a system user.

Example 49 may include elements of example 48 where the means forgenerating a display output that includes at least a portion of the dataincluded in the first output signal may further include a projectionmeans for projecting the display output through at least one transparentprismatic member disposed such that: the image of the first scenevisible along the second optical axis is transmitted through thetransparent prismatic member; and the emitted display output internallyreflects from a surface of the prismatic member and exits the prismaticmember along the second optical axis.

Example 50 may include elements of example 48 where the means forgenerating a display output that includes at least a portion of the dataincluded in the first output signal may further include: a projectionmeans for projecting the display output; and a plurality of reflectivemembers disposed such that: the projected display output reflects fromat least some of the plurality of reflective members and is emittedalong the second optical axis.

Example 51 may include elements of example 48 where the means forgenerating a display output that includes at least a portion of the dataincluded in the first output signal may further include an emissivetransparent display means disposed along the second optical axis toprovide the display output contemporaneous with the visibleelectromagnetic output.

Example 52 may include elements of any of examples 39 through 46, andmay additionally include a means for receiving an output signal thatincludes data associated with a second scene from line-of-sight imagingcircuitry communicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry andoperably coupled to at least one external device; a means for combiningat least some of the data associated with the first scene included inthe first signal with at least some of the data associated with thesecond scene included in the output signal from the line-of-sightimaging circuitry; and a means for causing a display on the transparentdisplay subsystem that includes the data associated with the first scenewith the data associated with the second scene, wherein the combineddata is displayed contemporaneously with the image of the first scenetransmitted through the transparent display subsystem.

According to example 53, there is provided a storage device thatincludes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by aconfigurable circuit, cause the configurable circuit to transition toimage analysis circuitry. The image analysis circuitry may: receive,from a first photosensitive element array disposed in a transparentphotodetector subsystem, a first signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of a first scene in a field-of-view ofa first optic subsystem; detect at least one object included in thefirst scene; determine at least one parameter associated with the atleast one object appearing in the first scene; and generate a displayoutput signal that includes data representative of the at least oneparameter associated with the at least one object appearing in the firstscene, wherein the data representative of the at least one parameter isdisplayed in a defined location in a transparent display subsystem withrespect to the at least one object.

Example 54 may include elements of example 53, where themachine-readable instructions may further cause the image analysiscircuitry to: cause, in eyepiece optics, a real-time or near real-timedisplay of the display output signal contemporaneous with visibleelectromagnetic energy exiting the first optic subsystem, the visibleelectromagnetic energy corresponding to a visible image of the firstscene exiting the first optic subsystem.

Example 55 may include elements of example 54 where the machine-readableinstructions may further cause the image analysis circuitry to: receive,from a second photosensitive element array disposed in the transparentphotodetector subsystem, a second signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of a second scene that includes atleast one biological object associated with the system user; detect atleast one biological object included in the second scene; determine atleast one biometric parameter associated with the at least onebiological object appearing in the second scene; and generate at leastone input to the image analysis circuitry based on the at least onedetermined biometric parameter.

Example 56 may include elements of example 55 where the machine-readableinstructions that cause the image analysis circuitry to receive, from asecond photosensitive element array disposed in the transparentphotodetector subsystem, a second signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of a second scene that includes atleast one biological object associated with the system user may furthercause the image analysis circuitry to: receive, from a secondphotosensitive element array disposed in the transparent photodetectorsubsystem, a second signal that includes information indicative of atleast a portion of a second scene that includes at least an eyeproximate the eyepiece optics and associated with the system user.

Example 57 may include elements of example 56 where the machine-readableinstructions that cause the image analysis circuitry to detect at leastone biological object included in the second scene may further cause theimage analysis circuitry to: detect at least one of: a pupil or aneyelid included in the second scene.

Example 58 may include elements of example 56 where the machine-readableinstructions that cause the image analysis circuitry to determine atleast one biometric parameter associated with the at least onebiological object appearing in the second scene may further cause theimage analysis circuitry to: determine at least one biometric parameterincluding at least one of: a pupil location of the system user; a pupilmovement of the system user; or a blink rate of the system user.

Example 59 may include elements of example 53 where the machine-readableinstructions may further cause the image analysis circuitry to receive,from line-of-sight imaging circuitry communicably coupled to an externaldevice, a signal that includes data representative of a second scenewithin the line-of-sight of the external device; align at least aportion of the first scene with at least a portion of the second scene;and generate a display output signal that further includes datarepresentative of at least one element provided by the external device,wherein the data representative of the at least one element provided bythe external device is displayed in a defined location in thetransparent display subsystem with respect to the at least one object.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

What is claimed:
 1. An enhanced vision system, comprising: a first opticsubsystem that transmits a first scene within a field-of-view of thefirst optic subsystem in at least a visible portion of theelectromagnetic spectrum; and a transparent photodetector subsystem thatincludes a first photosensitive element array disposed across at least aportion of a first surface of a transparent substrate, wherein thetransparent photodetector subsystem is positioned with respect to thefirst optic subsystem such that the first photosensitive element arrayreceives a first portion of the first scene; and wherein the transparentphotodetector subsystem transmits at least a portion of the visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes at least the firstportion of the first scene.
 2. The enhanced vision system of claim 1,further comprising: a configurable circuit communicably coupled to thetransparent photodetector; and a storage device communicably coupled tothe configurable circuit and containing machine-readable instructionsthat, when executed by the configurable circuit, transform theconfigurable circuit into image analysis circuitry, the image analysiscircuitry to: receive a first signal that includes data representativeof the first portion of the first scene from the first photosensitiveelement array; determine at least one parameter associated with at leastone object appearing within the first scene; and generate one or moreoutput signals that include data representative of the at least oneparameter associated with the at least one object.
 3. The enhancedvision system of claim 2, further comprising at least one spectralredirector; wherein the first optic subsystem is aligned along a firstoptical axis; wherein the transparent photodetector subsystem is alignedalong a second optical axis; and wherein the spectral redirectortransitions at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted bythe first optic subsystem in a first path parallel to the first opticalaxis to a second path parallel to the second optical axis.
 4. Theenhanced vision system of claim 3, further comprising: eyepiece opticsaligned along the second optical axis to output a reduced size image ofthe first scene along the second optical axis.
 5. The enhanced visionsystem of claim 3, wherein the spectral redirector comprises at leastone of: a plurality of mirrored surfaces or at least one prismaticmember.
 6. The enhanced vision system of claim 2, wherein the firstoptic subsystem and the transparent photodetector subsystem arecoaxially positioned such that the first optical axis and the secondoptical axis are collinear.
 7. The enhanced vision system of claim 1,wherein the first optic subsystem transforms the spectral distributionof the first scene from a first spectral distribution incident upon thefirst optic subsystem to a second spectral distribution exiting thefirst optic subsystem, the second spectral distribution in at least thevisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
 8. The enhanced visionsystem of claim 7, wherein the first optic subsystem comprises an imageintensifier.
 9. The enhanced vision system of claim 8, wherein thetransparent photodetector subsystem is formed on at least a portion ofan exterior surface of the image intensifier.
 10. The enhanced visionsystem of claim 2, wherein the transparent photodetector subsystemfurther comprises a second photosensitive element array, the secondphotosensitive element array positioned to capture a second sceneentering the transparent photodetector subsystem from a directionopposite the first scene.
 11. The enhanced vision system of claim 10:wherein the second photosensitive element array is disposed proximate atleast one of: at least a portion of a second surface transverselyopposed to the first surface of the transparent substrate; or at least aportion of a first surface of a second transparent substrate; andwherein the machine-readable instructions further cause the imageanalysis circuitry to: receive a second signal from the secondphotosensitive array that includes information indicative of a user eyeparameter; and select at least one command for execution based at leastin part on the received information indicative of the user eyeparameter.
 12. The enhanced vision system of claim 2, furthercomprising: a transparent display subsystem communicably coupled to theimage analysis circuitry, the transparent display subsystem to: receivethe one or more output signals from the image analysis circuitry;generate a display output; and display, as the display output, at leasta portion of the data representative of the at least one parameterassociated with the at least one object such that the displayed data andthe visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes atleast the first portion of the first scene are aligned andcontemporaneously viewable by a system user.
 13. The enhanced visionsystem of claim 12, wherein the transparent display subsystem comprises:an image projector communicably coupled to the image analysis circuitry,the image projector to generate the display output; and a transparentprismatic member disposed such that: the image of the first scenevisible along the second optical axis is transmitted through thetransparent prismatic member; and the emitted display output internallyreflects from a surface of the prismatic member and exits the prismaticmember along the second optical axis.
 14. The enhanced vision system ofclaim 13, wherein the transparent display subsystem comprises: anemissive transparent display device communicably coupled to the imageanalysis circuitry, the emissive transparent display to emit the displayoutput and disposed such that the image of the first scene visible alongthe second optical axis is transmitted through at least a portion of theemissive transparent display device.
 15. The enhanced vision system ofclaim 12, further comprising: line-of-sight imaging circuitrycommunicably coupled via a communications interface to the imageanalysis circuitry; and an external device communicably coupled to theline-of-sight control circuitry, the external device to provide anoutput signal that includes data representative of at least a portion ofa field-of-view of the external device.
 16. The enhanced vision systemof claim 12, further comprising: a wireless network interface to receiveat least one of image data or informational data from one or more remoteresources; wherein the at least one of the received image data or thereceived informational data includes data associated with the at leastone object that appears in the first scene within the field-of-view ofthe first optic subsystem; wherein the machine-readable instructionsfurther cause the image analysis circuitry to generate a display outputthat includes at least a portion of the at least one of the receivedimage data or the received informational data.
 17. An enhanced visionmethod, comprising: receiving, by a first optic subsystem, incidentelectromagnetic energy that includes at least a visible image of a firstscene in a field-of-view of the first optic subsystem; outputting, bythe first optic subsystem, electromagnetic energy in at least a visibleportion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible electromagneticenergy output including at least a portion of the first scene;receiving, by a first photosensitive element array disposed in atransparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene; generating, by the firstphotosensitive element array, a first signal that includes informationindicative of at least a portion of the first scene; and transmitting,by the transparent photodetector subsystem, at least the visibleelectromagnetic output from the first optic subsystem that includes atleast a portion of the first scene.
 18. The enhanced vision method ofclaim 17, further comprising: receiving, at image analysis circuitry,the first signal generated by the first photosensitive element array;determining, by the image analysis circuitry, at least one parameterassociated with an object appearing in the first scene; and generating,by the image analysis circuitry, a first output signal that includesdata representative of the at least one parameter associated with theobject appearing in the first scene.
 19. The enhanced vision method ofclaim 18, further comprising: aligning the first optic subsystem with afirst optical axis, wherein outputting electromagnetic energy in atleast a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output including at least a portion of the firstscene includes: outputting, by the first optic subsystem, the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene along a pathparallel to the first optical axis; redirecting, via a spectralredirector, the visible electromagnetic energy output that includes thefirst scene from the path parallel to the first optical axis to a pathparallel to a second optical axis; and aligning the center of thetransparent photodetector subsystem with the second optical axis,wherein transmitting at least the visible electromagnetic output fromthe first optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of the firstscene includes: transmitting at least the visible electromagnetic outputfrom the first optic subsystem that includes at least a portion of thefirst scene along the path parallel to the second optical axis.
 20. Theenhanced vision method of claim 19, wherein redirecting the visibleelectromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene from thepath parallel to the first optical axis to a path parallel to a secondoptical axis further comprises at least one of: redirecting, via aspectral redirector that includes a plurality of mirrored surfaces, thevisible electromagnetic energy output that includes the first scene fromthe path parallel to the first optical axis to the path parallel to thesecond optical axis; or redirecting, via a spectral redirector thatincludes at least one prismatic member, the first electromagneticspectrum from traveling along the path parallel to first optical axis tothe path parallel to the second optical axis.